Planet known as the Borgia - (Calabria)

Archconfraternity of the SS. Rosary

Foundation year: 1401

City: Catanzaro

Archdiocese: Catanzaro-Squillace

Artistic artefact (canvas, fresco, statue, etc.): Planet in silk with embroidery

Title: Planet known as the Borgia family

Dimensions: 102 x 69 cm

Year of execution: 17th century

Author (with year of birth and death): Manifattura Catanzaro

Brief description of the work and of the author profile: The Planet of the Borgia is so called because according to tradition it was used by the prelate on the occasion of the wedding in Squillace between Goffredo Borgia son of Pope Alexander VI and Anna Sancia d'Aragona natural daughter of the king Alfonso II. The date of the marriage of the end of the fifteenth century. however it does not coincide with the dating of the planet handed down which turns out to be instead of the seventeenth century. The fact remains that this planet is unique for the excellent quality due to the type of workmanship and iconographic setting. The ornamental design is on yellow fabric and finely embroidered with curved shapes ending in spirals. A small one is at the bottom along the lower edge and another much larger and more elaborate is arranged vertically. Both are accompanied by acanthus and thistle leaves, symbols of birth and rebirth and for the presence of thorns they refer to the passion of Christ.  The background fabric  which is in red satin silk also alludes to the Passion, it is a replacement of the original of the 60s of the twentieth century on which the entire embroidery in polychrome silk and gold and silver threads has been reported.

Compiled by the Attorney Prof. Sandro Scumaci