7. Visitazione

ArchiteCturE

The erection of the chapel began later than other buildings but was completed earlier. The works finished in 1720, the year of the Second Coronation. The Sanctuary, originally responsible for the new construction, decided to delegate the duty to the community of Occhieppo Inferiore. The current edifice externally presents an octagonal ground plan. The interior is elliptic because of the irregularity of the external sides. The main axis is perpendicular to the entrance. The atrium is surmounted by a small cupola, hidden by the pitched roof with a small blind lantern. The stonework decorations on the door and the architrave are remarkable, providing an interesting contrast with the simplicity of the architecture. The cornice setting off the profile of the roof is equally praiseworthy.

INTERNAL SCENE

The scene portraits the encounter between the Virgin and her cousin Elisabeth. The sculptural group, constituted by four statues and the triumph of the angels, is unelaborate. The statues were realized by P.G. Auregio, who completed them in 1717. In the course of time the group underwent several interventions, some of them substantial, so much so that what is currently on display appears greatly altered in respect to the original. The disposition of the characters is artful: at the centre of the group is the joyous embrace of the women, under the discreet gaze of St. Joseph to the right, and the admired look of St. Zachary to the left, welcoming his guests on the threshold of the house. The internal decoration, designed by Auregio himself and realized in the years following the installment of the sculptural group, depicts the courtyard of an aristocratic house, probably in the oriental style. Its value appears, however, rather modest. The words which, according to the Gospel, were pronounced by Elisabeth at the sight of Mary appear on the scroll next to St. Zachary.

OTHER PHOTOS

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