Giuseppe Sanmartino

Giuseppe Sanmartino (* 1720 in Naples, † 1793 in Naples ) was an Italian sculptor and important representative of the Neapolitan Rococo.

Life and work

Sanmartino was a pupil of Matteo Bottiglieri ( 1684-1757 ). Since 1749, he worked under the main masters Francesco Queirolo ( 1704-1762 ) from Genoa and Antonio Corradini to the interior of the Cappella Sansevero in Naples.

Corradini died during the work in 1752, but left 36 terracotta models. Drawing on this legacy, Sanmartino created in 1753 the " cloaked body of Christ " ( Cristo velato ), the so-called " Pietella " marble. The Veiled Christ is one of the greatest masterpieces of the late baroque sculpture. The magnificent design of the drapery on the body of the Saviour, the tilted, resting on two pillows and the head of Christ 's crown of thorns lying at his feet, creating an impressive overall composition.

Besides a large number of nativity figures - all for Neapolitan churches - Sanmartino also created another marble works.

• Decoration, church Annunziata
• High altar, Church of Nunziatella
• St. Augustine Group, Church of Sant'Agostino alla Zecca
• High Altar, Church of San Lorenzo in San Severo
• Monument to Philip, the son of Charles of Bourbon, Basilica of Santa Chiara

Some of his creations are on display in the Crib Museum of San Martino in Naples.