The Miter
Description
Year of commission
1710
Artists
Matteo Treglia
Materials
Silver-Gilt
Set jewelry
Diamonds, rubies and emeralds
The Chapel
Description
Year of commission
1527
Artists
Domenichino, De Ribera, Lanfranco etc, etc.
Materials
Various
Function
Ex-voto for relief from earthquakes, wars, and famines.
Silver Statues
Description
The Treasure of San Gennaro in Naples houses an extraordinary collection of silver artifacts, showcasing the excellence of Neapolitan goldsmithing. The Chapel boasts the world’s largest collection of silver busts, with 54 effigies representing the 53 co-patron saints of Naples and the Virgin Mary. Among the most significant pieces is the reliquary bust of San Gennaro, commissioned by Charles II of Anjou back in 1304. Initially kept in the small chapel of the Tesoro Vecchio (Old Treasure), it was later transferred in 1646 to the new Chapel of San Gennaro, along with the statues of the first six co-patron saints. Today, during the May procession, the bust is adorned with a magnificent necklace, donated by the Spera family in 1704. Neapolitan goldsmiths, masters of their art, created these masterpieces by collaborating with the best artists of the time: painters for the preparatory sketches, sculptors for the molds, and expert goldsmiths for the final assembly. The collection also includes the impressive silver statues of the patron saints.
Year of commission
First testimony in 1304
Artists
Various
Materials
Silver and Gold
Function
Reliquaries
The Necklace
Description
Anno di commissione
1679
Artists
Michele Dato, others
Materials
Gold
Set jewelry
Diamonds, emeralds