Cappella Sansevero | Naples

Sansevero Chapel (Cappella Sansevero) is one of the most remarkable and enigmatic sites in Naples, Italy. It is located in the historic center of the city and is famous for its striking baroque art, particularly the exceptional sculptures housed within. Here’s a detailed look at this chapel:

1. Location and Overview

• The chapel is located on Via Francesco de Sanctis, near Piazza San Domenico Maggiore, in the heart of Naples' historic center.
• Originally built as a family chapel, it is attached to the Palazzo Sansevero, the former residence of the Raimondo di Sangro, the Prince of Sansevero, who commissioned many of the chapel’s most famous works.

2. History and Construction

• Foundation and Patronage: The chapel was built between 1590 and 1613 by the Sansevero family, one of Naples’ most prominent noble families. The prince who commissioned much of the chapel’s transformation was Raimondo di Sangro, an eccentric and highly intellectual figure who contributed to both its artistic and scientific legacy.
• Baroque Influence: The chapel is an excellent example of Baroque art, characterized by dramatic use of light and space, ornate decoration, and emotional intensity. However, its most significant contribution is the sculptural works that combine religious devotion with the Prince’s personal interests in alchemy, science, and the occult.

3. Architectural Features

• The chapel’s architectural style is a blend of Baroque, with its lavish decoration, and Renaissance elements. The interior is small but filled with intense symbolism and artistic masterpieces.
• The vaulted ceiling and the walls are richly adorned with frescoes, but it is the sculptures that make the chapel famous.

4. Famous Sculptures and Artworks

• The most famous works within the Sansevero Chapel are its sculptures, particularly the works of Giuseppe Sanmartino and Antonio Corradini. The chapel is known for a number of extraordinary pieces, including:

a. Veiled Christ (Cristo Velato) by Giuseppe Sanmartino:

• Veiled Christ is perhaps the most famous sculpture in the chapel. Created by Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753, it is a marble sculpture of Christ lying on a tomb, covered with a veil that seems to melt into the figure’s body. The illusion of the veil is so delicate and realistic that it seems like fabric rather than stone, displaying the technical mastery of the artist.
• The sculpture is deeply symbolic, representing Christ's suffering and death, while the veil is a symbol of mystery and divinity.
• The marble veil, while appearing translucent, was carved from a single piece of marble and represents the pinnacle of Baroque artistry in sculpture, combining realism with the ethereal.

b. The Disillusioned (The Veiled Woman) by Antonio Corradini:

• Another famous work is the Veiled Woman, also known as the "Disillusioned" sculpture, by Antonio Corradini. The work represents a young woman lifting the veil from her face. The artist skillfully portrays the fabric as almost a second skin, drawing attention to the subtlety of human form beneath.
• This piece is another example of how the artists of the chapel used veils and transparency to convey the mystical and emotional themes of life and death.

c. The Anatomical Machines:

• The chapel also contains a controversial and curious feature — two anatomical models that depict human circulatory systems. These models are said to have been created by Raimondo di Sangro, the prince himself, and represent the culmination of his interest in alchemy and science.
• The most famous of these is the "anatomical machine", which is a skeleton with its circulatory system in place. It’s rumored that the prince used real human remains, though this has been disputed. The models are often linked to mystical theories and scientific curiosity of the time.

5. Mysticism and Symbolism

• Raimondo di Sangro was not only an art patron but also a scientist, alchemist, and occultist. Many of the works in the chapel are said to have symbolic meanings tied to the prince’s deep interest in the occult, freemasonry, and alchemy.
• Some theories suggest that the chapel’s designs, including the anatomical machines, were influenced by the prince’s esoteric beliefs, and the works are filled with hidden symbols that reference his interests in the supernatural and the unknown.
• The chapel has been called a “mystery of mysteries” due to the combination of religious art, scientific exploration, and mysticism. Some even consider it a symbol of Naples' rich, layered culture of spirituality and intellectualism.

6. Cultural and Touristic Importance

• The Cappella Sansevero is now a museum and one of the most visited and important tourist attractions in Naples, attracting visitors from around the world who come to admire its stunning art and to unravel its mysterious and complex history.
• The chapel has also appeared in numerous books, films, and historical accounts due to its mysterious nature and its connection to Naples’ aristocratic past.

7. Conclusion

The Sansevero Chapel is not just a religious site, but a remarkable synthesis of art, science, and mysticism. Its masterpieces, particularly the Veiled Christ, have made it a crucial stop for anyone interested in Baroque art and the mystical history of Naples. The chapel serves as a lasting testament to Raimondo di Sangro's eccentric genius and the enduring mysteries of Naples.