Angels Unawares is a bronze sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz installed in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City
Key Details
Location: St. Peter's Square, Vatican City (near the southern colonnade/fountain)
Inauguration Date: September 29, 2019, by Pope Francis for the 105th World Day of Migrants and Refugees
Dimensions & Weight: 6 meters long (about 20 feet) and weighs 3 tons
Subject Matter: Depicts 140 diverse migrants and refugees from different eras, cultures, and races huddled tightly together on a boat.
Central Symbol: A pair of angel wings rises from the center of the crowd, including a depiction of the Holy Family (Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus).
Biblical Inspiration: Based on Hebrews 13:2: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
Significance: It is the first new sculpture installed in St. Peter's Square in centuries. A smaller bronze version is also housed at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.
We were close to the Vatican City a few years ago, but did not walk to it for a variety of reasons! Now I wish I had. What a powerful art work :)
ReplyDeleteHello Veronica,
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunningly beautiful statue, it is a true work of art.
I wish you a lovely Thursday.
All the best, Irma
Thanks for showing. Great sculpture and meaning.
ReplyDeleteAmazing. Thanks for sharing. Happy Thursday!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your sharing
ReplyDeleteNa Itália os monumentos nos encantam. São maravilhosos os que mostram hoje!
ReplyDeletebeijos, ótimo dia! chica
Thanks for sharing this, the whole thing is just magic and so beautifully done. Thanks also for the link, very interesting indeed.
ReplyDeleteThat is such an incredibly moving statue.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful artwork!
ReplyDeleteThis makes a powerful statement. "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Someone should show this to Trump!
ReplyDeleteBellissima !! Ricordo di averla vista l'ultima volta che sono stata a Roma, a maggio di un anno fa ! Saluti.
ReplyDeleteThis large statue is truly magnificently crafted. Thank you for sharing your "silent stories," Veronica!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic sculpture, Veronica. Thanks for sharing another silent story with us.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best sculpture groups in the world.
ReplyDeleteBest regards, and I invite you to take a look at my new painting :)
Wow! That is so beautiful, and thought provoking as well.
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing, so detailed!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat sculpture!
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ReplyDeleteA very expressive, moving bronze sculpture.
This one is especially beautiful and poignant. I found myself staring at the photo, seeing stories, perhaps most of them very sad.
ReplyDeleteThis sculpture has such a story behind it. It really got to me, as Saint Francis is one of my beloved Saints. I love the Hebrews verse you shared too. It's so special. You have witnessed so many of these silent stories, and it's so nice we get to hear them through you. : )
ReplyDeleteWonderful sculpture! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sculpture !
ReplyDeleteVatican city has never welcome migrants....or help them...
Anna
That's a very striking image. Very new.
ReplyDeleteWow, these are most amazing. Wow.
ReplyDeleteThank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous day and rest of the week, Veronica. ♥
Thank you for sharing this statue. I love the background information and the statue is spectacular .
ReplyDeleteThat's quite an interesting statue. It's very interesting.
ReplyDeleteBellas esculturas. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteVery touching! But wanderers and illegal immigrants are different people.
ReplyDeleteI went to the Vatican decades ago and it was not there, but it is a powerful piece.
ReplyDeleteWhat a powerful, thought provoking sculpture. The detail is amazing.
ReplyDeleteMagnificent sculpture indeed. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMany greetings
An impressive and powerful sculture I love it and love the message. I havent seen it when I was there so I must have been there before 2019 Arohanui ❤️
ReplyDeleteWhat a powerful sculpture with a wonderful message. And done by a Canadian!
ReplyDeleteThese are VERY IMPRESSIVE statues, thank you for showing them.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful and so comforting in this time when so many people are losing their homes....
ReplyDeleteImpacta. Representa una gran historia humana. Y creo que todos casi todos somos inmigrantes. Muy pocos residen en el lugar de nacimiento. Perfectos detalles. Gracias Veronica.
ReplyDeleteBuen fin de semana.
Un abrazo.
An impressive, powerful, and extraordinary sculpture.
ReplyDeleteDear Veronica :)
ReplyDeleteThis enormous sculpture must have taken years to complete. It's a stuninng and powerful piece of art that clearly depicts the weariness and dispair of the travelers.
Many thanks for sharing this memorable sculpture.
All the best
Sonjia.