| 1. Immacolata Concezione |
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| THE CHAPELS | ||
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ARCHITECTURE  The representation of the Mysteries of Mary begins with the chapel of the ‘Immacolata Concezione’, which was erected thanks to the economic support of a number of quarters of the city of Biella. The harmony and elegance of the chapel renders it one of the finest of the complex. Externally the ground plan is rectangular, internally elliptic, with the main axis parallel to the access. The edifice is surmounted by a cupola and encircled by an elegant porch, well-proportioned and in harmony with the prospects, sustained by 22 columns in local stone, supporting cross vaults whose geometry is reflected on the cobbles. The main prospect presents a pediment decorated with corbels. Although we lack precise relevant sources it is reasonable to think that the construction works began after 1620. A lantern originally placed on the roof was immediately removed as it caused problems related to the infiltrating humidity. The architecture is strictly correlated to that of the chapel of the ‘Assunzione di Maria’. INTERNAL SCENE  The rather elaborate theme, the Immaculate Conception, involves a number of figures bearing a precise signification. A large twisting dragon, representing the original sin from which Mary is rendered immune after the sacrifice of Christ in the Passion, dominates the scene. Although we lack precise relevant sources the dramatic visual impact which the figure must have engendered on the first visitors is easily imaginable. Melchiorre D’Errico, brother to the more famous Giovanni, could be the author of the sculptural group. The dragon is placed among Mary’s parents, St. Joachim to the left and St. Anne to the right. The Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, descending on Mary as an infant kneeling on the terrestrial globe, is depicted on the cornice. Two large angels are respectively holding a cross and a column, surmounted by a cock, both symbols of the Passion. The five niches hold the statues of the prophet Isaac, of King David, King Solomon and two Sibyls. OTHER PHOTOS Click on the image to see the following or to use the navigation bar.
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