Il Bambino facts for kids
Il Bambino is an Italian name that means "the Child." In Italy, this name is often given to special statues of the Christ Child or baby Jesus. These statues are very common in Roman Catholic churches across the country.
One of the most famous "Il Bambino" statues is the Santo Bambino of Aracoeli. This statue is believed to have special powers and is found in the church of Santa Maria in Aracoeli in Rome. People celebrate a special festival for this statue every year. This celebration happens on Epiphany, which is January 6.
Another Famous "Bambino"
The name "Il Bambino" was also given to a famous statue made by the artist Michelangelo. This statue was called the Sleeping Cupid. Sadly, this artwork is now lost.
How Michelangelo Created His "Bambino"
Michelangelo carved his "Sleeping Cupid" from a piece of marble that was leftover from another project. To make the statue look very old, he rubbed it with dirt. He also used a wire brush to give it an aged appearance.
A Clever Sale
Michelangelo's goal was to make the statue look like it was from Ancient Greece. He wanted it to seem like a very old and valuable piece of art. The sculpture was then sold to a collector who believed it was a real Ancient Greek sculpture.
