Central Block, Ground Floor

Veiled Rebecca, marble, sculpture
by G.B Benzoni,19th century.

Veiled Rebecca

The term marble owes its origin to the Greek word ‘Marmaros’ meaning stone or boulder. The statuary marble is marked by its ability to transmit light making it one of the most valuable marbles. The marble sculptures in Salar Jung Museum are sizeable in number though majority of them are copies of Greek mythological sculptures done by famous artists.

The museum is a proud owner of one original marble sculptures titled “Veiled Rebecca” done in 1876 by sculptor G.B Benzoni of Milan. What makes this sculpture so extraordinary is, it features all the best qualities of the 19th century Neoclassical period. A perfectly proportionate beauty, a Jewish lady Rebecca stands in an alluring manner, enveloped in a transparent veil. Both the veil and the figure have been carved out of a single piece of marble. The folds, creases of the dress and the engaging curves of the figurine are finished with inimitable precision, lucidity and meticulousness. The sculpture was bought by Salar Jung I in 1876 during his visit to Rome. The statue has many admirers and visitors from all over the country come to see this masterpiece.