Ambry

Abstract

To the left of the altar in the Salviati Chapel of San Gregorio al Cielo in Rome is a fifteenth-century marble aumbry, or holy-oil cupboard, adorned with gilded details. Commissioned by Abbot Gregorio Amatisco in 1469 for the church’s high altar, it was relocated to its current position in 1757. Historically attributed to Andrea Bregno, the aumbry is now ascribed to the Maestro di Pio II. This anonymous sculptor, active during the reign of Pope Pius II (reigned 1458-1464), is best known for his contributions to the Pope’s monumental tomb in Sant’Andrea della Valle. According to Francesco Caglioti, the sculptor’s style reflects the influence of Mino da Fiesole and Paolo Romano. The aumbry’s central arch, carved in trompe l'œil to create an illusion of depth, frames a relief of the Madonna and Child. Two nails placed within the columns suggest that a curtain rod may have previously been used to drape and undrape the Virgin and Child. Flanking them inside niches are Saints Andrew and Gregory, with two tondi above depicting the Annunciation. The frieze crowning the structure illustrates the Miracle of Castel Sant’Angelo, the legendary vision of the Archangel Michael sheathing his sword above the fortress as Pope Gregory the Great led a procession through plague-stricken Rome in 590 AD. At the very top, a lunette features a relief of God the Father. Since the pupils of the figures are not carved, it is highly likely that some details, including the eyes, were painted. Some evidence of paint, in the form of darker areas of marble, can be observed. Photograph(s) licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.