Lorenzo Duca, Teodoro de Voghel and the marquetries of the cabinets in the Certosa di San Martino in Naples

The cabinets of the Sacristy in the Certosa di San Martino in Naples were commissioned by Prior Severo Turboli and built between 1584 and 1588. This article thoroughly analyses for the first time some of the sources that mention the furniture, and above all, it reveals new documentation, in particular a deed dating from 1584. From this document, we gather that the Friesan Lorenzo Duca, in accordance with the Flemish Teodoro de Voghel (the other artist commissioned for the work) had traveled to Augsburg to work on the wood for the inlaid panels. This document therefore allows us to trace particular elements of Carthusian marquetries such as the rich chromatic effects obtained with the use of exotic essences and dyed plugs back to German, and more specifically, to Bavarian cabinet making. The connection to German production is further confirmed by the choice of figures, mainly drawn from Northern prints, as well as by the close ties of both Masters to German cabinet makers living in Naples at the time. Other ties connect the two Masters to southern Italian sculptors such as Nunzio Ferraro and Giovan Battista Vigliante, who worked on the wood carvings that frame the inlaid panels.