The marble statue of the Assumption in Sestri Levante.
Inside the Basilica of Santa Maria di Nazareth, in the heart of Sestri Levante, is one of the most fascinating sculptural works on the Ligurian Riviera: the marble statue of the Assumption. Located on the high altar, this sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary taken to heaven, surrounded by cherubs supporting the Holy House of Nazareth. The work is attributed to the Genoese sculptor Francesco Maria Schiaffino, active in the 18th century, known for his skill in modeling marble with elegance and dynamism.
The statue is distinguished by its slender verticality and the refinement of the folds of her cloak, which seem to move with celestial lightness. The sculptural group is framed by a polychrome marble altar, dating back to 1762, which enhances its solemnity and beauty. The entire composition conveys a sense of spiritual elevation, perfectly in tune with the intimate atmosphere of the basilica.
The presence of the little house of Nazareth at the bottom of the statue is a significant iconographic detail: it is not only a representation of the Assumption, but a celebration of Our Lady of Nazareth, to whom the church is dedicated. This detail gives the work a unique identity, deeply linked to local devotion and the history of the community.
The Basilica of Santa Maria di Nazareth, construction starting in 1604, is one of the main places of worship in Sestri Levante. Located in Piazza Matteotti, next to the town hall, it is easily recognizable by its white façade and strategic position on the isthmus connecting the historic center to the "Isola" peninsula. The church, with its mix of Baroque and Neoclassical styles, houses numerous works of art, but the statue of the Assumption remains one of its most precious treasures.

Do you know this statue?
Add your own comment or go to the bottom of the site to read what other visitors have written.

Photo taken with Oppo Reno 12.

Here is where the basilica is located:

The marble statue of the Assumption in Sestri Levante – La statue en marbre de l’Assomption à Sestri Levante – La estatua de mármol de la Asunción en Sestri Levante – A estátua de mármore da Assunção em Sestri Levante – Die Marmorstatue Mariä Himmelfahrt in Sestri Levante – Tượng Đức Mẹ Lên Trời bằng đá cẩm thạch ở Sestri Levante

The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_di_Santa_Maria_di_Nazareth,_Sestri_Levante
– https://www.sestrilevanteligure.com/basilica-di-santa-maria-di-nazareth/