Saint Dominic by Niccolò dell'Arca

Abstract

This book, the third in the 'Hidden Treasures' series, is illustrated by photographs by Luigi Spina and is accompanied by a critical commentary by Vittorio Sgarbi. For the first time we present to enthusiasts of art history and photography a visual monograph focusing on a single, exceptional piece of sculpture: Niccolò dell'Arca's bust of St Dominic, dating from 1474. Made of terracotta, the sculpture depicts the founder of the order in a solemn, rigorously frontal pose whose expressiveness is riveting in its force. St Dominic is portrayed hieratically poised and seemingly motionless, but his hands convey his spiritual authority and his face eloquently suggests the great energy that lies within. His robe sweeps down in geometric folds and his tunic protects him like armor. The work was made during Niccolò dell'Arca's period in Bologna, where, after completing the tomb of St Dominic (begun almost two centuries before by Nicola Pisano with the aid of Arnolfo di Cambio) the artist developed close ties to the Dominican order in the city. Over a period of around twenty years, he sculpted two busts portraying St Dominic: one, the subject of this book, belongs to the Cavallini Sgarbi Foundation in Ro Ferrarese; the other is in the museum of the Basilica of St Dominic in Bologna. Luigi Spina's talent enables readers to admire the sculpture in the round, to pick out its subtle detail and to appreciate the depth of the saint's expression and the masterly technique displayed throughout.