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 rubies, 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
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
