Neapolitan Masterpieces in the Italian Baroque Sculpture and Decorative Arts Gallery at the Met

Angel by Giuseppe Sanmartino

While departing the Casper David Friedrich: The Soul of Nature exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Friday evening, we passed through the Italian Baroque Sculpture and Decorative Arts, 1600-1750 Gallery (Gallery 550) and spotted a few masterpieces we hadn’t seen in a while and thought they would be of interest to our readers.

Mourning Virgin and St. John the Evangelist by Giuseppe Gricci

The Mourning Virgin and St. John the Evangelist (ca. 1744) by Florentine sculptor Giuseppe Gricci (ca. 1700-1770), who worked as a chief modeler at the Capodimonte porcelain manufactory in Naples for King Carlo di Borbone (1716-1788).

St. Vincent Ferrer by Giuseppe Sanmartino

The terracotta statue of St. Vincent Ferrer (1750) by Neapolitan sculptor Giuseppe Sanmartino (1720-1793).

Angel by Giuseppe Sanmartino

Neapolitan Crèche Angel (second half of 18th century) attributed to Giuseppe Sanmartino with polychromed terracotta head; wooden limbs and wings; body wire wrapped in tow; and textile dress modern replacement.

Other temporary and upcoming exhibits of interest at the Met:

• The Jousting Armor of Philip I of Castile (through April 1, 2026)

• Sargent and Paris (April 27— August 3, 2025)