Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Statue of St. Ambrose on Horseback
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography credit Joel Benjamin
Statue of St. Ambrose on Horseback
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA. Photography credit Joel Benjamin
Copyright and other proprietary rights in material on this site may be held by individuals or entities other than or in addition to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The John F. Kennedy Library does not warrant that the use of materials displayed on this site will not infringe on the rights of third parties, such as artists or artists' heirs holding the rights to these works. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy copyright or other use restrictions before copying, transmitting, or making other use of protected items beyond that allowed by "fair use," as such term is understood under the United States Copyright Act. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum respects the intellectual property rights of others. The John F. Kennedy Library may, in appropriate circumstances and at its discretion, remove, disable and/or terminate access to any material on or linked to or from this site that it suspects to be infringing upon a third party's intellectual property rights or other rights.

Statue of St. Ambrose on Horseback

Artifact IDMO 63.524
Object Type Sculpture
Date early 1960's
Gifter
Place MadeMilan, Italy, Europe
Medium Silver
DimensionsOverall H 10 in x W 9 in x D 2 3/4 in (25.4 cm x 22.9 cm x 7 cm )
Physical DescriptionSilver statue of St. Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan, wearing a miter and chasuble. He is mounted on a rearing horse holding a torch in his right hand. A sword is lying at the horse's feet.
Historical NotePresident Antonio Segni of Italy gave this sculpture of St. Ambrose, the patron saint of Milan, to President Kennedy.

St. Ambrose was trained in the law and became governor of the Roman province of Aemilia-Liguria. Known for his fairness and honesty he was chosen bishop of Milan by popular acclamation in the year 374. According to legend, he secretly rode away from Milan because he did not feel worthy of this distinction.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a foreign official to the President and First Lady received through the Executive office during the Kennedy Administration and transferred to the General Service Administration where it was held until donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Heads of State (National Archives Identifier 1677008)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteThis material is not subject to any known copyright or other image use restrictions.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Related Links