The statue of Cristo Morto beneath the main altar in the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli was made by the master sculptor cartapestaio Achille de Lucrezi in 1866. One of the treasures belonging to the Confraternity di Santa Maria degli Angeli, it is part of the long tradition of cartapesta (papier-mâché) making in Lecce that began in the 17th century. More malleable than wood and lighter to carry, with colour bringing the results to life, cartapesta became the preferred material for the life-size models of saints made for Holy Week processions carried by the Confraternities. This statue requires careful restoration to ensure its long-term survival. As does another Confraternity treasure – the oil painting of the Madonna and Child in Glory attributed to Gian Domenico Catalano of Gallipoli (17th century) hanging above the altar and dating to the 17th century. Both works have significant cultural and heritage value to the community crowdfunding for their restoration.
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