Saint Bernardino of Siena 1595 - 1605

This is Fulvio Signorini’s bronze sculpture of Saint Bernardino of Siena, created around the turn of the 17th century. The statue's solemn affect is immediately apparent, with the saint's gaze cast downwards in contemplation. The bronze material, with its dark patina and smooth texture, adds a certain gravity. Consider how the lines of the sculpture direct your eye, from the draped folds of the robe to the delicate hands holding a framed symbol. The statue’s vertical orientation reinforces a sense of elevation, aligning the figure with spiritual ideals. The material Signorini uses is very relevant to the work. The play of light on the bronze surface enlivens the figure and creates a connection to the divine. Ultimately, Signorini invites us to meditate on the interplay between material form and spiritual content, between what can be seen and what can only be believed. The sculpture does not offer easy answers, but instead creates a space for reflection.