Fourth Aedicula of the Pantheon Basilica in Rome “Saint Anastasio”

Francesco Moderati, Saint Anastasio, Fourth Aedicula of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy

Saint Anastasio Pope Clement XI commissioned this statue from Francesco Moderati to commemorate the discovery of relics of martyrs during the construction of the main altar in the fourth chapel.

A magnificent statue in terms of its construction with impressive fine clothing details.

Saint Anastasio was a Persian soldier who converted to Christianity.

He discovered the Christian faith in 614 when the Persian king Khosrow II sent his army to Jerusalem.

Returning to Persia, he left his military career and returned to Jerusalem, where he was converted and baptised.

He became religious and was sent to Caesarea in Palestine, where he preached to the Persians. He was then arrested and asked to renounce his faith, which he refused.

As his reputation as a man of faith grew among Christians, he was considered a threat to public order and was beheaded.

His martyrdom is celebrated on 22 January every year.

Francesco Moderati (1680-1724) “Saint Anastasio”

Sculpture - Marble, 1717

Saint Anastasio