Cappella di San Giulio
Museum | Lemie | Piemonte | Italy
The Cappella di San Giulio in Lemie, a hamlet of Forno, is a remarkable example of late Gothic architecture and painting in Piedmont. It was likely built in the 14th century and later adorned in 1486 with an impressive cycle of frescoes.
Architecture and Furnishings
The chapel consists of a square presbytery covered by a barrel vault, with a later added vestibule for the faithful. The building is constructed of stone and topped with a slate roof.
Frescoes and Artworks
The walls and vault of the chapel are decorated with frescoes from 1486, attributed to the "Master of Forno di Lemie." This artist is often associated with the school of Jacopo Jaquerio, a prominent representative of International Gothic in Piedmont.
The frescoes include:
Apse: Depiction of the Madonna and Child, flanked by San Giulio and the three founders of the chapel, the Goffi brothers.
Left wall: Images of San Michele Arcangelo, San Rocco, San Sebastiano, San Giovanni Battista, Santa Cristina, and Santa Caterina.
Right wall: Depiction of Sant'Antonio Abate and a large fresco of San Giorgio defeating the dragon.
Historical Significance
The chapel was founded by the influential mining entrepreneurs Antonio, Amedeo, and Giovanni Goffi. The frescoes are a significant testament to religious art of the late 15th century in Piedmont, reflecting the local veneration of San Giulio, a saint particularly revered in eastern Piedmont.
The Cappella di San Giulio in Lemie is therefore a valuable cultural heritage that offers insight into the religious art and history of Piedmont.
