Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso

Large Vatican Micro-Mosaic Icon panel by Maestro Giuseppe Cinquegrana
Studio del Mosaico, Vatican City - Late 20th Century

This exquisite micro-mosaic icon panel of Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso (Our Lady of Perpetual Help) is a masterpiece by Maestro Giuseppe Cinquegrana, a renowned Vatican mosaicist affiliated with the Studio del Mosaico in Rome, Vatican City. Crafted in the late 20th century, this work is an exceptional example of traditional Vatican Micro-Mosaic artistry, executed using techniques rooted in ancient Roman and Byzantine traditions.

Technique & Materials:
The artwork panel is created using the Micro-Mosaic technique, with minute glass tesserae, including precious Venetian dyed glass, gem stones (raw lapis, emerald, and ruby colored stones) on the clothes and 24-karat gold tiles on the halo's and background hand-cut with hammer and chisel with real gemstones 2 cut aquamarine stones, 2 round emerald colored stones, and 1 red ruby color stone with many tiny tear drop opal colored stones inset on the crown. This ancient and intricate method results in an image of remarkable clarity, depth, and luminosity. The faces and hands are especially notable for their delicacy, composed of incredibly fine mosaic tiles placed with exacting precision. There are no missing stones.

Dimensions:

Framed: 26.5 in (H) x 23.25 in (W) x 3.5 in (D)
Mosaic panel image: 11.75 in (H) x 9.75 in (W) and it is twice the size of traditional micro mosaic icons very rare piece/panel
Visible opening (with red velvet mat): 18.25 in (H) x 14.75 in (W)
Weight: Approx. 26 pounds
Iconography & Symbolism:
The mosaic panel depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child, a representation based on the famous 15th-century Byzantine icon now housed in the Church of Sant'Alfonso in Rome, under the care of the Redemptorist Fathers. Both Mary and Jesus are adorned with gold halos, and Mary wears a crown, underscoring her title as Queen of Heaven. The background, composed of shimmering gold tesserae, evokes a celestial aura typical of traditional sacred iconography.

Frame:
The piece/panel is mounted in an ornate gilt wood frame with a deep red velvet mat border, enhancing its visual and devotional impact. The frame shows minor age-related wear, it remains structurally sound and visually striking.

Historical & Religious Context:
The icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help has been venerated in Rome since 1499 and was granted a Canonical Coronation by Pope Pius IX in 1867. Its official novena is recited weekly, and the feast is celebrated on June 27. Promoted globally by the Redemptorists since the 19th century, it holds the status of national patroness in countries such as Haiti and parts of Spain. In Eastern Christian tradition, it is known as the Theotokos of the Passion.

About the Artist:
Giuseppe Cinquegrana (d. 2002) was born in Taranto and studied art in Rome. He worked in the Vatican's Studio del Mosaico, contributing to major ecclesiastical projects. His work reflects the traditions of Byzantine mosaic and Roman minute mosaic ("mosaico minuto") techniques. Highly decorated, Cinquegrana's mosaics are held in private and institutional collections worldwide and have been exhibited in galleries ie. Mondo Cattolico Roma Micro Mosaic collections dedicated to the preservation and celebration of sacred art.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: The piece/ panel is in very good condition and is mounted in an ornate gilt wood frame with a deep red velvet mat border, enhancing its visual and devotional impact. There are no missing stones on the mosaic piece/panel. The frame shows minor age-related wear, it remains structurally sound and visually striking. This is a very large Micro Mosaic Icon, and it is heavy, weighing over 26 pounds.

Origin:
Italy

Materials & Techniques:
Mosaic

Details:
Frame Type: Framed
Country of Origin: Italy
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Art Subjects: Portrait, Figure

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; The piece/ panel is in very good condition and is mounted in an ornate gilt wood frame with a deep red velvet mat border, enhancing its visual and devotional impact. There are no missing stones on the mosaic piece/panel. The frame shows minor age-related wear, it remains structurally sound and visually striking. This is a very large Micro Mosaic Icon, and it is heavy, weighing over 26 pounds.