Введение Treasure of the Madonna of Trapani

Treasure of the Madonna of Trapani

The section dedicated to goldsmithery includes, in addition to various objects of liturgical use, a rich collection of jewels from the Treasure of the Madonna of Trapani, established over the centuries thanks to the substantial donations of the faithful to the venerated marble simulacrum kept in the Sanctuary of the Annunziata .  In many cases these are ex-voto jewels, donated to the Virgin of Trapani as a sign of gratitude for a grace received. The precious collection offers a rich and varied sampling of jewels, mainly of Sicilian manufacture, whose production ranges from the 16th to the 19th century. They include rosary crowns, pendants, earrings, necklaces, brooches, bracelets, rings, tiaras, but also numerous objects with superstitious or apotropaic value, such as coral amulets and rock crystal agnus dei. Among the numerous examples present, the Flowering Branch stands out, a masterpiece of Sicilian baroque goldsmithery intended to adorn the hairstyles of island noblewomen; different floral varieties intertwine with refined elegance: orange blossom flowers with white enamel petals, anemones with emerald pistils, ranunculus, delicate rose flowers with white pearl petals. The same floral theme recurs in the splendid Gioia in gold, emeralds and diamonds given to the Virgin by the Duchess of Uzeda, wife of the viceroy of Sicily, a refined weave of tulips held in place by a ribbon that sinuously wraps the stems.