The Sun King’s Jewel in Santa Maria della Vita

The sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita enriches itself with a special event every year on 10 September.

In the morning, the public will have the opportunity to view the Sun King’s jewel: a small but incredibly precious oval-shaped piece, featuring at its centre an enamel painting of Louis XIV attributed to Jean Petitot (1607-1691). Adorned with a double row of diamonds and gems, it forms a priceless artefact, a splendid example of French goldsmithing during the time of the Sun King.

This valuable item holds great historical significance. It was gifted by the French monarch to the renowned Bolognese historian Carlo Cesare Malvasia as a token of gratitude for having dedicated his work Felsina Pittrice. Vite de’ pittori bolognesi (‘Felsina Paintress. Lives of the Bolognese Painters’, 1678) to the king. This work remains one of the most comprehensive sources for the study of Emilian painting.

In his will, Malvasia made the Confraternity of Santa Maria della Vita the heir to the "most precious thing I possess in this world", with the explicit requirement that it be displayed to the public every 10 September in memory of healing he received by the intercession of the venerated Madonna della Vita. It resurfaced on 10 September 1614 during a general cleaning of the church.

 We look forward to welcoming you again this year to admire this extraordinary and marvellous jewel.