From Italy to Siena Hall

As you enter Siena Hall and make your way toward the Davis Gym, you may notice something new hanging in the foyer - an exquisite painting of the Blessed Mother. In honor of our 175th anniversary, this historic painting, which is over 250 years old, is once again on display for our community to enjoy.

The painting was given to St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School by the Dominican Sisters of St. Catharine, Kentucky in 2003 thanks to the efforts of St. Agnes alumna Sr. Joye Gros, O.P., who was then serving as Chair of the Governing Board of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catharine.

The piece was painted around 1770 by Italian artist Carlo Crispi (also recorded as Capri or Campi, depending on the source). It is a copy of an original by Gian Battista Salvi, entitled Sassoferrato. The painting depicts the Virgin Mother seated on a throne, holding the Divine Child on her knee while she extends a rosary to St. Dominic, as he kneels at her feet in reverence. St. Catherine of Siena is portrayed on the opposite side, gazing on with awe and wonder.

The Most Reverend Richard Pius Miles gave the painting to the Dominican Sisters in 1883, and it hung in the Chapel at St. Catharine in Kentucky until 1988 when the chapel underwent renovation.

The school had the painting restored in 2010 by Christina Katrakis, a renowned European artist living in the Mid-South at the time. During the restoration process, Ms. Katrakis spoke with many SAA–SDS students, explaining both the restoration techniques and the significance of the painting.