The Madonna of Childbirth

Map

Madonna of Childbirth by Jacopo Sansovino, Sant' Agostino

---

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, c. 1516) by the sculptor-cum-architect Jacopo Sansovino (1486-1570). 

​The statue is visited by many of Rome's mothers-to-be, who pray for a safe delivery. In gratitude, they leave blue or pink rosettes.  

In 1822 Pope Pius VII (r. 1800-1823) granted an indulgence to those who kissed the foot that protruded from Mary's dress. 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'.  

---

Madonna del Parto (Madonna of Childbirth) by Jacopo Sansovino