Early 20th Century Plaster Plaque of St.Helena After Desiderio da Settignano

A well-cast, early 20th century antique Italian plaster plaque of the elegant St. Helena, after a sandstone reliet by 15th century Italian sculptor, Desiderio da Settignano (1429-1464), after a design by famed Renaissance sculptor, Donatello (1386-1466). Also known as Flavia Julia Helena, Saint Helena was a Roman Empress of the Ist century and mother to Constantine the Great. While most of the stories surrounding St. Helena are attributed to myth rather than fact, she is credited with having discovered fragments of Christ's Cross, making her a prominent figure in Christianity. 54cm