Altar Paliotto

Countess Torelli
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about Countess TorelliThe precious frontal, in chiseled silver plate and embossed on a wooden frame, shows some phytomorphic decorations and cherub heads framing three different elements. On the left lies the the Torelli family’s coat of arms; on the right a scene characterized by a simple landscape and by the motto "My escort doesn’t roam"; finally the Nativity of Mary is represented in the centre. On the shortleft side St. Charles Borromeo is shown praying wearing the mitre and the chasuble, two cupids carry his iconographic attributes: the crosier and the Astile cross, signs of his authority as a bishop. On the right side there is St. Teresa of Avila wearing the habit of the Carmelites and holding the cross in her hands.

Collegio della Guastalla
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about Collegio GuastallaThe magnificent frontal was meant to adorn the altar of the Chapel on the occasion of solemn ceremonies. It was donated by Caterina Visconti, daughter of Teobaldo Count of Gallarate and Marquis of Cislago. The young woman, before the marriage with Giuseppe Lerma, had retired in Collegio della Guastalla before getting married to Giuseppe Lerma around mid XVII century

Curiosity
The emblem of the Torelli of Guastalla was originally characterized by the presence of a furious bull to which a snake was added in 1428; the emblem of the Visconti family was donated by the Dukes as a merit to the services received. In the centre there is a dog lying at the foot of a tree.