The Veiled Christ, sculpted by Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753, is a marble masterpiece in Naples’ Sansevero Chapel. Renowned for its lifelike veil carved from a single block, it depicts Jesus in death with extraordinary realism, blending artistic bri...
Also Known As
Cristo Velato
Founded On
1753
Founded By
Giuseppe Sanmartino
Did you know?
Alchemy myths: For centuries, many believed the veil was created using alchemical techniques by Raimondo di Sangro, the sculpture's commissioner, who was rumored to be an alchemist. However, it is entirely carved from a single block of marble.
Antonio Canova’s admiration: The famous sculptor Antonio Canova reportedly said he would give ten years of his life to have created the Veiled Christ, calling it an unparalleled masterpiece.
A misattributed beginning: The sculpture was initially attributed to Antonio Corradini, who only completed a terracotta model before his death. Giuseppe Sanmartino completely reimagined it and brought his vision to life in marble.
In 1752, Raimondo di Sangro, Prince of Sansevero, commissioned a life-sized marble sculpture of Christ for his family chapel in Naples. He initially entrusted the project to Venetian sculptor Antonio Corradini, who had previously created the statue Modesty for the chapel. Corradini completed only a terracotta model before his death that year.
Determined to fulfill his vision, Raimondo turned to Giuseppe Sanmartino, a young Neapolitan sculptor, instructing him to create a statue of Jesus covered by a transparent shroud carved entirely from marble, thus setting the stage for what would become an iconic masterpiece.
When Sanmartino took over the project in 1753, he chose not to follow Corradini’s terracotta model closely. Instead, he reimagined the concept with his distinctive late Baroque style. Sanmartino sculpted Christ lying on a couch, covered by a veil that clings to his form with astonishing realism.
The transparency of the marble veil reveals Christ’s wounds and facial expression, capturing both his suffering and serenity. Sanmartino’s ability to carve such intricate details from a single block of marble elevated the sculpture beyond mere technical mastery—it became an emotional and spiritual experience for viewers.
The Veiled Christ is rich in symbolism. The transparent veil represents purity and sacrifice, while the instruments of the Passion—pliers, shackles, and the crown of thorns—placed at Christ’s feet emphasize his suffering. The lifelike rendering of Jesus under the veil invites you to reflect on his humanity and divinity.
Sanmartino's sculpture goes beyond its religious meaning, providing a universal reflection on suffering, forgiveness, and spiritual growth. Its powerful emotions and technical excellence make it a masterpiece that remains relevant over time.
Many people believed that Raimondo di Sangro, who commissioned the sculpture, used magic-like alchemy to turn a real cloth into marble. This myth was fueled by his reputation as an alchemist.
However, historical documents, including a receipt from the Bank of Naples dated December 16, 1752, confirm that Sanmartino was paid to carve the veil entirely from marble, debunking alchemical myths.
Despite this proof, the legend lives on, adding to the sculpture's mystique. Di Sangro himself helped create this sense of wonder, describing the veil as incredibly well-made, leaving even the toughest critics amazed.
The Veiled Christ was installed as the centerpiece of the Sansevero Chapel, which Raimondo di Sangro had transformed into a Baroque masterpiece filled with symbolic artworks. The chapel itself is steeped in history and legend, making it an ideal home for such an extraordinary sculpture.
Positioned prominently in the nave, the Veiled Christ draws you into its emotional narrative while complementing other works like Modesty and Disillusion.
Since its unveiling in 1753, the Veiled Christ has been celebrated as one of the greatest sculptures ever created. It launched Sanmartino’s career and solidified Naples’ reputation as a hub of Baroque art. Over centuries, it has captivated artists, historians, and tourists alike.
Noted figures like Antonio Canova admired its lifelike detail, while many visitors often report being moved to tears by its beauty. Today, it remains one of Naples’ most iconic treasures and a testament to human creativity and devotion.
The Veiled Christ is a masterpiece that goes beyond its visual beauty, captivating viewers with its artistry, emotion, and profound symbolism. Crafted by Giuseppe Sanmartino in 1753, this sculpture is a testament to the heights of human creativity and technical skill. Here’s what makes it truly extraordinary:
Yes, the Veiled Christ is included in the standard admission ticket to Sansevero Chapel.
Yes. Advance booking is mandatory due to limited daily admissions.
Spend at least 20–30 minutes focused on the sculpture and 45–60 minutes exploring the entire chapel.
Skip-the-line tickets are highly recommended during peak seasons to avoid long queues.
Yes, guided tours cover the Veiled Christ along with other artworks and chapel highlights.
The main areas of the chapel, including the nave (where the Veiled Christ is installed) and sacristy, are wheelchair-accessible, but the underground chamber housing the anatomical models is not.
Photography and filming are strictly prohibited inside the chapel.
Yes. Audio guides are available for self-guided tours. You can book entry tickets that include audio guides online or rent one at the entrance in multiple languages (Italian, English, French, Spanish, and German) for a fee.
You can book a private tour outside of museum hours. Drop a mail to info@museosansevero.it, specifying the date, time, and number of people. If it’s possible, you will receive a copy of the regulations, including the price list, which you have to sign.