Marzio's Crucifix And Zoroaster (1887)

The novel features Marzio, a young Italian artist, and Zoroaster, a Persian philosopher, as they navigate the intersections of art, religion, and philosophy. Commissioned to create a crucifix in Rome, Marzio encounters Zoroaster, who introduces him to Zoroastrianism, prompting a profound internal conflict with his Catholic upbringing. The story delves into themes of belief, tradition versus modernity, and the cultural shifts of late 19th-century Italy, encouraging readers to reflect on their own convictions and the nature of truth.