The Madonna of Childbirth

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Madonna of Childbirth by Jacopo Sansovino, Sant' Agostino

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The 15th century church of Sant' Agostino is home to one of the most venerated statues in Rome, namely the Madonna del Parto (Madonna of Childbirth), 1521, by the sculptor-cum-architect Jacopo Sansovino (1486-1570). 

​For centuries, the statue has been visited by mothers-to-be, who have prayed for a safe delivery. 

In 1822, Pope Pius VII (r. 1800-1823) granted an indulgence to the faithful who kissed Mary's left foot. The response was so great that the marble foot soon had to be replaced by a silver one. 

The Latin inscription above the statue reads (in translation): 'Virgin, Childbirth is Your Glory'.  
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• Related Post: Restoration of the Madonna del Parto. 

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Madonna del Parto (Madonna of Childbirth) by Jacopo Sansovino