During the suppression of convents under Emperor Joseph II and Napoleon the image was in the custody of Barbara Viazzoli, a former Capuchin Sister. Upon her death it was given to the pastor of the St. Marco Church, who in turn entrusted it to the Sisters of Charity at the Ciceri Hospital in 1842. In 1876 the wax image was brought to the Generalate of the Sisters in Via Santa Sofia where it remains to this day.

Beginning in 1884, various miracles were attributed to the image. Several sisters of the order were healed from grave illness but also the image itself was miraculously rejuvenated and its color changed from a dull gray to the natural flesh hues it has to this day. It was given new clothing, placed in a new crib and transferred in 1884 to the chapel of the convent. From there it was transported in solemn procession to the chapel of the motherhouse (1885) where many pilgrims went to ask for help of the Infant Mary. In subsequent years an archconfraternity of Maria Bambina and the "League of the Innocent" were founded. In 1904 the image was solemnly crowned. It became the custom to offer newly-married couples as wedding gift a small wax image of Maria Bambina. The devotion to Maria Bambina spread from the Milan area to the whole of Italy.

My parents are life-long collectors and slowly beginning to sell off their personal collections. Follow my shop/listings for more treasures to come! Ships with care!