To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Korean immigration to the United States, our client commissioned two bas-relief carvings depicting Our Lady of Korea at Cana and the Our Lady of Korean Martyrs. The massive reliefs were carved in Botticino marble based on plaster models created in Korea.
Rugo employed new technology to 3D scan the models, and working with the Rector of the Basilica, developed a final size for the reliefs to fit in the tympana, which we installed in 1999.
These reliefs are over 2′ deep in figure projection and milled with our six-axis machinery. They are finely hand-carved to create the final appearance. The rigging of these massive and fragile pieces was complicated due to the ceiling height, which left little overhead space for traditional rigging methods.
The two bas-reliefs sit above the east door openings in the Narthex of the Shrine. The unique skills of Rugo’s draftsman, stone carvers, masons, and riggers made this project a real success.
Location: Washington, DC
Completion: 2007
Owner: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Architect: Anthony J. Segreti, AIA
General Contractor: Rugo Stone LLC
Size: 500 sqft
Services: Design, sculpt, fabricate, and install two large deep bas-relief carvings
