The Oldest Surviving Wooden Relic in Europe: The Holy Face of Lucca
A celebrated statue on display in an Italian cathedral was recently discovered to be the oldest surviving wooden relic in Europe, dating back much further than previously thought. This remarkable finding highlights the historical and cultural significance of the Volto Santo di Lucca, or Holy Face of Lucca.
The Fascinating History of the Holy Face
Previously believed to be a 12th-century wooden crucifix, the Volto Santo di Lucca has long been celebrated as a symbol of the Tuscan city of Lucca and an iconic representation of Christianity. Its fame spread throughout medieval Europe, earning mentions in historical texts, including references by William II of England and Dante Alighieri in his epic poem Inferno.
Scientific Confirmation of the Holy Face’s Origins
For many years, historians believed the Holy Face of Lucca to be a 12th-century replica, but recent scientific investigations have illuminated its true origins. Researchers have confirmed that this statue is indeed the original, estimated to have arrived in Lucca in AD 782, establishing it as the oldest known wooden relic still intact in Europe.
Legends Surrounding the Holy Face
According to medieval legend, the Holy Face of Lucca was sculpted by Nicodemus, a follower of Jesus, during Christ’s lifetime, aided by divine inspiration. For more than 700 years, it was concealed in a cave in Palestine before being transported to Lucca by ship. Upon its installation in the cathedral during the 12th century, it quickly became a pivotal location on the Via Francigena pilgrimage route from Canterbury to Rome during the Middle Ages, further linking it to historical journeys of faith.
Recent Research and Discoveries
In anticipation of the 950th anniversary of the cathedral, diagnostic studies were finally conducted on the Holy Face. Scientists from the National Institute for Nuclear Physics in Florence utilized wooden samples and fragments of canvas to validate the statue’s arrival date in Lucca as AD 782. Annamaria Giusti, a scientist involved in the assessments, pointed out that the findings resolve longstanding debates regarding its age, affirming its status as the oldest wooden sculpture in the western world.
Oldest Sculptures Worldwide
If you are intrigued by ancient sculptures, the oldest known sculpture in the world is the Lion Man, carved from ivory and dating back 30,000-40,000 years, currently exhibited in Germany’s Ulm Museum. Meanwhile, the Shigir Idol, a significant wooden sculpture discovered in the Ural Mountains in the 19th century, is approximately 11,500 years old.
