Saint Rita of Cascia Statue Value Guide

This antique chalkware statue of Saint Rita of Cascia represents a significant era of Italian devotional art following her canonization in 1900. As the patroness of impossible causes, these early 20th-century figures were essential for home altars, offering an affordable yet detailed representation of the Augustinian nun.

What Is Saint Rita of Cascia Statue Worth?

The typical price range for Saint Rita of Cascia Statue is $180 - $200 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The preservation of the original paint, as chalkware is highly susceptible to chipping and moisture damage.
• The presence of specific iconographic details like the stigmata or detailed floral elements which increase collector demand.
• Historical provenance linking the piece to the initial surge of devotion following her 1900 canonization.
• Overall structural integrity, particularly the lack of major repairs to the delicate neck or hands.

How to Identify Saint Rita of Cascia Statue?

• Look for traditional attributes of Saint Rita, such as the forehead wound from a thorn or holding a crucifix and roses.
• Examine the base for 'Italy' stamps or signatures indicative of early 20th-century Mediterranean production.
• Check the material weight; authentic chalkware from 1900-1920 is heavier than modern plaster but prone to small surface flakes.
• Verify the hand-painted details, which should show natural age-related patina and soft pigment transitions typical of the era.

History of Saint Rita of Cascia Statue

Saint Rita of Cascia, born Margherita Lotti, was an Italian widow and Augustinian nun venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church. Known as the patroness of impossible causes, she lived from 1381 to 1457. Devotion to Saint Rita grew significantly after her canonization in 1900, leading to the widespread production of statues and devotional items like this chalkware piece. Chalkware, a popular material for religious statues in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, allowed for affordable and accessible representations of saints for home altars.