The story of a work. The journey of an artist. The meaning of a symbol.

A journey into the creative universe of Guido Dettoni della Grazia through MARIA, one of the most significant works of contemporary sacred art.

MARIA. The Madonna Found tells the story of the birth, evolution and meaning of MARIA, Guido Dettoni della Grazia’s most iconic work, which over time has become the fullest synthesis of his artistic and spiritual research.

Through the author’s own texts, photographs and previously unpublished documents, this volume takes the reader through more than thirty years of history: from the first creative intuition in 1995 to the work’s ongoing evolution; from international exhibitions to permanent installations; and through the various interpretations, materials, dimensions and editions that have helped make MARIA one of the most significant works of contemporary sacred art.

More than a catalogue, this book is a direct testimony to the creative process of Guido Dettoni della Grazia. It reveals how an intuition becomes form, how matter is transformed into a language, and how a work can continue to generate new meanings over time.

Over the years, MARIA has become a place of contemplation, inner dialogue and spiritual exploration, welcoming thousands of visitors from around the world. Its permanent presence in the Church of Santa Maria delle Rose, in Assisi, has made it one of the most recognisable symbols of the artist’s creative and spiritual research.

Published posthumously by the Santa Maria delle Rose Cooperative, this volume represents Guido Dettoni della Grazia’s final editorial legacy and the most comprehensive publication devoted to MARIA, bringing together texts, images and documents that tell its complete story.

Intended for enthusiasts of contemporary art, contemporary sacred art, sculpture and spirituality, the book will also appeal to collectors and scholars, as well as to anyone wishing to discover from within the story of a work that continues to inspire, challenge and accompany the inner journey of those who encounter it.