The Black Madonna of the Sanctuary of Montevergine in Mercogliano, between history and legend. The sacred effigy depicts the Virgin Mary seated on the throne with the Child Jesus in her arms. According to historical sources, the work would be dated between the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The cult of Madonna of Montevergine was born thanks to the hermit monk, Guglielmo da Vercelli, who decided to dedicate his life to prayer and meditation. A prayerful life with a great figure as a guide, precisely that of the Virgin.
The Black Madonna
The origins of the ancient icon of the Madonna di Montevergine are uncertain. According to legend, the picture would be works of San Luca who would have painted it in Jerusalem. Thus began the vicissitudes and journeys for the sacred effigy that reaches Constantinople. During the period of iconoclasm (VIII century) King Baldwin II he cuts off the head of the Madonna depicted in the painting to defend her from the wrath of the iconoclasts. Subsequently Catherine II of Valois had the work completed by Montano d'Arezzo and donated it to the monks of Montevergine in 1310. The effigy, returned to its splendor, is thus exhibited in the noble chapel of the d'Angiò family.
The first historical evaluation during the Second Vatican Council
Finally, in the XNUMXs, the first real historical evaluation of the icon arrives during the work of the Second Vatican Council. Indeed, the ecclesiastical authorities with a team of historians and critics thoroughly analyze the picture. Careful analysis disproves the legendary tales. In 1964 Giovanni Mongelli, father of the Congregation of Montevergine, hypothesized that the painting could be the work of Pietro Cavallini or perhaps of his school. This is due to the fact that various artistic elements of the Roman painter are evident, such as the Byzantine style and the way of draping. It is certain, however, that the work belongs to the d'Angiò family, given the presence of the characteristic lilies of the ancient family. Finally, in 1997 Father Placido Maria Tropeano affirms that the work could also be attributed to Montano d'Arezzo but that, following the continuous alterations, it has lost its original shape.
The Sanctuary of Montevergine
The Sanctuary of Montevergine, dating back to 1126, is an Italian national monument: the monastic complex is located in Mercogliano in the province of Avellino. Founded at the behest of San Guglielmo da Vercelli, it is currently one of the most popular Marian sanctuaries in Southern Italy. From the turnout data it is estimated, in fact, that every year it is visited by about one and a half million pilgrims. The complex consists of the Romanesque-style cathedral basilica and other structures including the crypt, which contains the remains of San Guglielmo. And, again, the ex voto room and a museum that houses numerous archaeological finds, jewels and works of art.
(On the cover the chapel of the Black Madonna - Photo Wikipedia - Principe88 - CCBYSA3.0)
