Images and documentation of the portrait of Lorenzo Gavotti, Theatine bishop
Recently, it has been possible to document and analyze in detail a portrait of Bishop Lorenzo Gavotti, an important member of the Order of Theatine Clerics Regular. Thanks to the research by Rosella Carloni and the collaboration of Theatine religious, the identity and historical significance of this work have been confirmed.
The portrait and its inscription
The portrait includes a clearly visible inscription identifying Lorenzo Gavotti:
«LAURENT. GAVOTTI TEATINUS EPIS. VENTIM. PRÆPOSITUS OLIM S. ANDR. DE VALLE 19.7».
This text confirms that it is Lorenzo Gavotti, bishop of Ventimiglia and preposito (superior) at the church of Sant’Andrea della Valle, a central seat for the Theatine Order in Rome. Another inscription indicates his birthplace in Savona and his episcopal consecration.
Confirmation in historical archives
The archival documents of the Theatine Order corroborate this information:
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Lorenzo Gavotti appears in the membership register for the years 1617-1618.
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His entry into the Order of Theatine Clerics Regular on November 1, 1617, at the church of San Silvestro in Rome is recorded.
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His appointment as bishop of Ventimiglia and role as apostolic nuncio to Switzerland is also confirmed.
Research work
Researcher Rosella Carloni, with the support of Fathers Salvatore and Roberto, has accessed archives and collections that allow the display of these high-resolution images, essential for future publications on Theatine history and the life of Lorenzo Gavotti.
