Monte Berico: the works of art

The Basilica and close surroundings preserve precious works of art. Above the arch dividing the two churches, there is a large painting by Giulio Carpioni of 1651, a gift to the Sanctuary from the guild of merchants of Vicenza. It allegorically depicts the city of Vicenza at the feet of the Virgin.
In the little Gothic church, on the right above the altar of the Pietà, there is a painting by Bartolomeo Montagna, "La Pietà", a work of 1505 commissioned by the Servants of Mary.
In the hall, at one time used as a refectory, hangs the "Supper" by Paolo Veronese, of 1572. It is one of the most important paintings by this artist. In the same hall, the entrance door is framed by canvases by Alessandro Maganza: "The Virgin among the Four Evangelists" of 1580, which originally hung above the choir altar, and "The Baptism of Christ" painted in 1591 for the altar of the Madonna and Angels.
The statues and bas-reliefs outside and inside are the work of Orazio Marinali and his school. They were executed between the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th century. Three bas-reliefs above the entrance doors to the Sanctuary summarise the story at the origin of this whole group: at the eastern doorway there is the Virgin who appears to Vincenza Pasini, in the north entrance Vincenza speaks to the city authorities; in the third entrance, from the west, the laying of the first stone of the early church is commemorated.
Most of the statues are cut in the stone of the Monti Berici, the white stone from Pove and Crespadoro.
The Statue of the Madonna is particularly important from a religious point of view. It is made of coloured Berico stone, and stands above the high altar, according to tradition in the place sanctified by the feet of the Madonna. The sculpture was executed in 1428-30 by Nicolò da Venezia. It is defined iconographically as Madre della Misericordia (Mercy) or Madonna del Manto (Cloak); Mary is depicted as Mother of all children of God, who find protection under her cloak.

Text approved by the Arts Office of the Diocese of Vicenza

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