The surprising connection between the Magna Carta and five small, expensive, enamelled brackets
Five enamelled brackets for €10,000 each may seem like a hefty price tag, but when you consider that they are integral pieces of a 13th-century casket housed at Turin’s Palazzo Madama museum, the cost becomes more understandable. In an effort to complete the set and secure these missing components, the museum has initiated a crowdfunding campaign in Italy to raise the required €50,000 by the end of the year.
The casket in question is a remarkable wooden chest adorned with exquisite enamels dating back to 1220-25. It holds historical significance as it once belonged to a prominent figure of its time – an Italian cardinal known for his diplomatic prowess and influential role in shaping the history of England.
Guala Bicchieri, a key emissary of Pope Innocent III, played a crucial role in advocating for the crusades and fostering peace among European monarchs. His diplomatic achievements, including negotiating peace agreements, reforming the English church, and facilitating the acceptance of Magna Carta, have left a lasting legacy in the annals of history.
Following his remarkable diplomatic service, Bicchieri returned to Vercelli, where he founded an abbey and acquired the ornate casket from Limoges, France. Over the centuries, the casket endured various upheavals, including being walled up to protect it from looting during Napoleon’s invasion.
In 2004, Palazzo Madama acquired the casket for €1.75m, with support from local authorities. However, the museum now seeks additional funding to procure the missing brackets and complete the ensemble. Supporters interested in contributing to this cause can do so through the Rete del Dono platform, with donations starting at €15. Your support will help ensure the preservation of this significant historical artifact and honor Guala Bicchieri’s impactful legacy.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.