A video recently made the rounds with a caption reading: This hidden painting was found recently at The Church of Saint George Maggiore.
Commenting on the viral video, the BBC wrote, “In a scene reminiscent of a classic mystery novel, a hidden gem has been uncovered in the world of art restoration. Behind a 16th-century masterpiece known as ‘Life of San Severo,’ restorers at the Church of Saint George Maggiore in Naples, Italy, have stumbled upon another painting of historical and artistic significance.”
The video drew more and more interest, prompting the tourist board of Naples to have a say. In its own reveal, the visitnaples.eu website spotlighted not one but three similar stories of “secret” paintings – buried treasures of 16th and 17th century art. “Naples is the casket of fascinating hidden treasures,” they say. “If you want to uncover the veil of mystery lying on the face of this enigmatic city, then… let yourself be surprised.”
As the site explains, the viral battle of “St. George and the Dragon,” the hidden fresco at Saint Maggiore, its brilliant colors still intact, was painted by Aniello Falcone around 1645. In this medieval allegory, the fearless warrior Saint George, atop a rearing white horse, pierces the dragon with a long, sharp spear. The warrior saint rids the land of the unclean monster and saves the city it was threatening to destroy.
Perhaps even more intriguing is the recently discovered painting known as “The Devil of Mergellina,” uncovered at Naples’ Church of Santa Maria del Parto. Another depiction of St. Michael driving away the devil, it was painted by Leonardo Grazia in 1542. Only this time there is another twist: The devil (or demoness?) has the face of a beautiful blond-haired woman. “It seems,” says the Naples tourist board, “that the painting conceals a more mysterious and extravagant story, halfway between sorcery and seduction.”
Now, the following interpretation should probably be taken with a grain or two of salt and, if possible, read aloud in your best Italian accent:
The hidden 16th century painting known as “The Devil of Margellina” discovered in a niche inside Naples’ Church of Santa Maria del Parto.
“The devil-woman depicted in the painting represents Vittoria (Victory) D’Avalos, a beautiful Neapolitan noblewoman who fell in love with the fascinating Diomede Carafa, the Bishop of Ariano Irpino. She used a powerful love spell to try to enchant the churchman and get him to love her. The elixir gave to Carafa an insane love. This compromised his ecclesiastical career. Victory was his devil. Diomedes thought he would use a good exorcist to break Victoria’s spell. He summoned a monk expert in necromancy, magic and exorcism.”
“The monk advised Diomedes to find a valid painter and commission him a special painting whose colours had to be mixed with a special balm, useful for the ritual. It had to portray the Archangel Michael, the warrior of God who embodied the power of the good, and the devil, portrayed with the face of Victory, which embodied the power of evil. After this, the woman renounced the love for the cardinal. The cardinal, in order to celebrate his victory, made engrave the following inscription on the work: «Fecit victoriam alleluia (“Hallelujah – He has won his victory”) 1542 Carafa»
‘BEHIND THE SCENES’ ART TRIPS
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This year’s trip is to Spain. Hosted by Fine Art Connoisseur Publisher Eric Rhoads and Editor-in-Chief Peter Trippi, it’s a continuation of an eleven-year tradition. Learn more here.
This Rockstar Indian Watercolorist Paints Cities with Insight
Watercolors by Amit Kapoor.
Amit Kapoor is a leading master of watercolor in India. His resume is a long list of honors, advisory roles in film and animation, top fine art competition awards and international exhibitions, workshops, and instruction.
Kapoor combines exceptional drawing skills with a feeling for the inner life of the cities and ports that make up the lion’s share of his subject matter.
As the only Indian Watercolor Artist to get Silver Star Award from National Watercolor Society, USA, he’ll soon be releasing an instructional video stateside. He is only Indian Artist invited for Live Demonstration by world’s biggest Art Channel “SAA,” UK. He’s one to watch.
