The Masterpieces

The Tesoro di San Gennaro houses some of the most refined expressions of the universal Baroque. Absolute masterpieces of architecture, art and landscape blend with contemporaneity in a perfect combination of beauty and majesty.

The Miter

Description

The mitre is a masterpiece of goldsmithing commissioned in 1712 from the goldsmith Matteo Treglia, intended to adorn the bust of Saint Januarius during the May procession. Crafted from gilded silver, the mitre draws inspiration from the embroidered fabric of episcopal mitres and incorporates 3,326 diamonds, 198 emeralds, and 168 rubie, with a total weight of a remarkable 18 kg! The stones were chosen to represent the three theological virtues: diamonds for faith, rubies for charity, and emeralds for hope. Among the most notable gems are a Ceylonese ruby called “Vesuvius Lava” and a teardrop diamond with an innovative brilliant cut for its time, which was the most expensive part of the composition. The largest Colombian emeralds bear the names of the members of the Deputation. The back of the mitre features two gem-encrusted infulae (lappets), with engravings of Saint Januarius’ ampoules, the names of the patrons, and the inscription “Matthaeus Treglia fieri curavit,” indicating that the work was the result of coordinated effort by Treglia with dozens of other masters.

Year of commission

1710

Artists

Matteo Treglia

Materials

Silver-Gilt

Set jewelry

Diamonds, rubies and emeralds

The Chapel

Description

In 1527, during a period of immense suffering for Naples, afflicted by wars, plagues, and Vesuvius eruptions, the city made a vow to San Gennaro. In an act of enormous faith, it promised to build a new and lavish Chapel to house the Saint’s relics in exchange for an end to the calamities. San Gennaro heard the people’s prayers, and so began the construction of the Chapel of the Treasure. The architectural project was entrusted to Francesco Grimaldi, who designed a double-shelled dome. The Chapel of the Treasure of San Gennaro is a treasure chest of Neapolitan Baroque art. To decorate it, artists of the caliber of Domenichino, Giovanni Lanfranco, lo Spagnoletto (Jusepe de Ribera), Giovan Domenico Vinaccia, and Cosimo Fanzago were called upon. In the safe behind the main altar, the ampoules containing the Blood of San Gennaro are preserved. Three times a year, the miracle of the Blood’s liquefaction is celebrated, an event of profound popular devotion.

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

The Necklace of San Gennaro is an object of inestimable value, narrating 250 years of European history in Naples. Its upper band, composed of thirteen gold links, was commissioned by the Deputation from Michele Dato in 1679. Its purpose was to adorn the bust of the Saint during processions. In the following decades, the necklace was enriched with gifts from Kings, Queens, nobles, and devotees who wished to honor the saint: Charles of Bourbon Charles III and his wife Maria Amalia of Saxony, Francis I of Bourbon, Maria Carolina of Austria, Victor Emmanuel II of Savoy, and Joseph Bonaparte.

Anno di commissione

1679

Artists

Michele Dato, others

Materials

Gold

Set jewelry

Diamonds, emeralds

«In this borough operated the magnificent Matteo Treglia, creator of admirable works of goldsmith’s art, who knew how to combine inventiveness, technical dexterity, and artisan wisdom.»

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