Sculptor Stefano Maderno died on this day in Rome in 1636. Maderno is widely recognized as one of the first Baroque sculptors. He is praised for his naturalism and classicism as seen in works like his moving figure of St. Cecilia, sculpted to decorate her shrine in Rome.

St. Cecilia, 1600, marble, Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, Rome

Hercules and Antaeus, ca. 1622, clay, London: V&A

Tags: 17th Century, Baroque, Baroque Art, cecilia, christian art, classicism, hercules, italian art, Italy, martyrs, naturalism, religious art, Rome, saints, sculpture, stefano maderno