Naples’ Hidden Art Jewel
Naples isn’t all pizza- it has some artistic treasures as well! In a chapel hidden in the historic center lies the “Veiled Christ” by Giuseppe Sanmartino. Ever since I started learning Italian and researching Naples specifically, this piece has been on my bucket list. You are not allowed to take photos, so I only have pictures of postcards, but this had to be shared. Working from A SINGLE BLOCK OF MARBLE the sculptor created the lifeless body of Jesus Christ lying on a bed covered with an extraordinary transparent veil in marble!! I mean… wow… the visible holes in his thin hands and feet, the enlarged vein that protrudes on his forehead, his relaxed rib cage, and the embroidery seen on the veil… if you are ever in Naples this is a must see!!!!!!!!
The Sansevero Chapel Museum in the historic heart of Naples is a jewel of the world’s artistic heritage. The “Veiled Christ” in particular is one of the most famous and impressive works in the world and has always aroused admiration and astonishment. One of the many admirers was Antonio Canova who said that he would have given ten years of his life to have been the artist of such a masterpiece. But it’s not the only masterpiece that you discover in the chapel. A rare imagination and inventiveness is found in the architectural and stylistic elements. From the Cristo Velato (Veiled Christ) to the surprising Macchine anatomiche (Anatomic works), and curious corpses that are studied by scholars from all over the world of art, create a unique and displaced atmosphere.
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Our roots will forever be from here, America, born and raised. Yet, life requires us to move more frequently than we care to count. Whether living stateside or abroad, you can always find us traveling somewhere. We scout out places that you only think you can dream of one day seeing and we seek out those that aren’t found in guidebooks. We then bring them to life here in our travel memos, so hopefully, one day you too can visit them or at least be able to live vicariously through us. This blog isn’t just about crossing off places from a bucket list. It’s about absorbing and learning how other cultures grow and fit into the same world that we do. Life is short and the world is big. Enjoy and get out there!
American Roots. Traveling Boots. 