The foundation of the Certosa: the protagonists
Before leaving the Certosa, we can discover the protagonists of its foundation depicted in the lunette outside the church. In the center is depicted the Virgin enthroned, wrapped in a wide mantle, with the Child standing on her legs in the act of blessing. Kneeling, on the sides of the Virgin, are portrayed the founders of the Certosa: Giacomo Arcucci and the queen Giovanna I d’Angiò. On the right, the count, who commissioned the work, with a long white beard, wears a hat and is depicted in the act of offering the model of the church. Behind him are recognizable the sons Francesco and Jannuccio. On the left is depicted Queen Joan I, a woman of rare beauty and irresistible charm, protector and benefactor of the Carthusians. The queen wears a crown on her head and wears a blue gown dotted with golden Angevin lilies. Behind him the two women, who wear the muliebre veil and white robes, are identifiable with the two wives of the Arcucci: Margherita di Sanseverino and Muretta Valva. In the background and standing appear Saint James with the pilgrim’s cloak and stick and Saint John the Baptist, identifiable by the animal skin that covers it and the cartouche on which was written «Ecce Agnus Dei». In the subtarc is depicted in the center the white dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit, surrounded by rays of golden light. The composition is finally enriched by the presence of six pairs of angels playing medieval musical instruments: a harp, a lute, a viella, a psalter and two portable organs. © MINISTERO DELLA CULTURA