Between Mount Carmel and Piazza Mercato: The Brown Madonna of Naples

Authors

Elliot Wise, Brigham Young University
Dr. Mark J. Johnson, Brigham Young University

Keywords

Naples, Piazza Mercato, Mount Carmel, Brown Madonna

College

Fine Arts and Communications

Department

Art

Abstract

Since their arrival in Naples during the thirteenth century, the Carmelite friars have safeguarded a miraculous icon of the Virgin and Child in their church of S. Maria del Carmine Maggiore on Piazza Mercato. Due to the dark complexion of the Virgin and her son, the image acquired the name, “La Bruna,” or “the Brown One.” Mary holds the Christ Child lovingly against her face, the vivid red of his robe enveloped by her dark blue mantle and highlighted by the gold ground behind them. Visitors to the Carmelite shrine will seldom find the Brown Madonna’s chapel above the high altar empty. The faithful crowd into the narrow space to whisper prayers and blow kisses to the beloved patroness of their city.

Recommended Citation

Wise, Elliot and Johnson, Dr. Mark J. (2013) "Between Mount Carmel and Piazza Mercato: The Brown Madonna of Naples," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 2124.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/2124