MONZA: THE QUEEN'S GOLDEN HEN
One of the most intriguing exhibits in the Museum of the Treasure of the Duomo of Monza (Lombardy) is a gilded silver hen surrounded by seven chicks, all grouped in pecking position on a circular metal tray.
The metal body of the mother is rippled to look like feathers and her eyes are made of rubies, while the eyes of the chicks are emeralds.
No-one knows the origin of this unusual artefact, which is believed to have been donated to the cathedral by the medieval Queen of the Lombards, Theolinda, who ruled as regent between 616 and 624 and was a driving force in the conversion of her subjects to Catholicism.
Theolinda is considered to be the founder of the great Duomo of Monza, which pays her tribute with a chapel decorated with a stunning cycle of mid-15th century frescoes depicting 45 episodes in her life and stretching over a wall area of 500 sqm. A huge restoration project, completed in 2015, restored the frescoes to their former glory.
The Theolinda Chapel contains the celebrated “Iron Crown” of the Lombard kings, that was also used by Napoleon Bonaparte for his coronation as King of Italy in 1805. The crown, in the form of a jewelled circlet, is believed to incorporate one of the nails used in Christ's crucifixion, brought to Italy by Helena, the mother of the Roman emperor Constantine.
The Museum is open every day except Monday, while guided tours for the Theolinda Chapel are available between Tues-Sat and Sun afternoons.
Info: Tel. +39.323404 https://www.museoduomomonza.it
