The Veiled Rebecca

The Veiled Rebecca The neoclassical Italian sculptor Giovani Belzoni created The Veiled Rebecca in 1863. It depicts the biblical character Rebecca, wife of Isaac (son of Abraham ) who veiled herself on meeting her future husband .The artistry and high level of skill of the sculptor is evident in the establishment of stone as a fabric covering the body with folds chiselled with such skill that it appears real. A veiled woman during those times had become an allegory for Italian unification . Benzoni's workshop made a number of copies , one of which is in the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad , in India. A few lines on the famous sculpted image are presented below: The Veiled Rebecca Melody in marble , a sculptor molded you as a fount of mystery , You remain cherished in the sacred vaults of history, Carved in stone , veiled , as you stood before Isaac , immaculate art, Cloth folded in stone, did Benzoni adroitly insert, Your face , hidden yet alive, millions of watchers admire, A countenance that blessed tales inspire, Every awestruck voice your enigmatic grace does ponder, You remain , a perennial source of mystery and wonder, For eternity, O Rebecca , would you remain behind the veil, Your hallowed story time shall repeatedly tell.