BOAT PEOPLE IN BRONZE AT ST. PETER'S @ 16 May 2021

Angels Unawares”, the massive bronze sculpture by Canadian artist Timothy Schmalz is a permanent fixture in St. Peter's Square, attracting the admiration and attention of visitors. The 6 metre-long monumental work contains 140 figures crammed into a boat and represents the plight of refugees, immigrants and the oppressed, all in search of a better life. The figures portrayed include the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt, African slaves, Native Americans, Jews and asylum seekers escaping from wars in North Africa and Asia. The work was inaugurated in 2019 in the presence of Pope Francis to mark the 105th World Day for Refugees.

The replica of another work by Schmalz – the controversial “Homeless Jesus” can also be seen outside the Office of Papal Charities in Via della Conciliazione leading up to St. Peter's. The life-size bronze of a shrouded figure, lying on a bench with only his pierced feet visible, caused a scandal when it was first displayed at the University of Toronto in 2013 as many Catholics believed that it was a disrespectful representation of Christ. It is now one of the most popular works of contemporary religious art with replicas displayed in over 100 cities all over the world.

Schmalz is at present working on another religious subject, “When I was Sick” that refers to the Covid epidemic, financed by donations given to the Mercy Health Foundation of Youngstown, Ohio, USA, and from its staff. The sculpture is part of a series evoking traditional scriptural texts.

The sculpture, which should be inaugurated in September 2021 will contain a time capsule to be opened March 11 2120, 100 years from the date when the World Health Organization officially declared the coronavirus pandemic.

Text & photo by MSR

Info: www.sculpturebytps.com


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