The Veiled Virgin
7 March 2025
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Quinn Robinson
The Veiled Virgin, a stunning marble statue, is Quinn Robinson's Class ACT. Created by accomplished Italian sculptor Giovanni Strazza, it depicts the Virgin Mary with her face shrouded in a translucent flowing veil. We admire this intricate work of art with Quinn.
Born in Milan, Italy, Giovanni Strazza (1818-1875) was renowned for his ability to transform solid marble into lifelike representations, displaying extraordinary skill in representing delicate textures and intricate details. His work on The Veiled Virgin remains one of his most celebrated achievements.
Strazza is not alone in producing this type of work, however his is thought to be the finest example of its kind. There was a trend at the time towards creating busts of veiled women, as veils were popular among 19th-century Italian sculptors for showcasing their artistry while also representing purity, modesty, and devotion. This dual combination of artistic heritage and religious symbolism provided a strong source of creative inspiration.
The Veiled Virgin is made from Carrara marble, a high-quality material originating from Tuscany, preferred by ancient Roman builders and Italian Renaissance artists. Marble has an ability to capture texture and the grace of movement in fine detail.
(Image: Carrara marble quarries. Carrara, Tuscany, Italy)
The veiled virgin sculpture was brought to Canada in 1856 by Bishop John Thomas Mullock, who received it from Rome. He placed it in the Episcopal Palace next to St. John’s Basilica in Newfoundland. In 1862, he gave it to the Presentation Convent, where it has been kept ever since. It is not open to the public, but it can be seen by appointment.
(Image: Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada)
Quinn explains: “When I discovered Giovanni Strazza’s The Veiled Virgin online, I was absolutely taken by its remarkable qualities. The sculpture’s realism is astounding, especially the veil, which looks like a separate, sheer fabric but is actually part of the same marble block. The way Strazza crafted the folds of the veil without carving into the facial features underneath is truly impressive. You can clearly see the Virgin Mary’s face and hair through the veil, which seems to rest gently on her features like a thin, translucent layer. The attention to detail and the precision required to create this piece are like no other – it’s a stunning example of meticulous craftsmanship.”
Image credits: Shhewitt – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, published under Wikipedia Creative Commons licence, Megan Andrews and Erik Mclean via Unsplash,
