8. Sarcophagus of Nicola Ruffo of Calabria

Adjacent to the scarsella is a room containing the solemn marble tomb of Nicola Ruffo, son of the Count of Sinopoli. The sarcophagus, dated to the 14th century, is attributed to a Neapolitan workshop of an unknown author.The marble case is supported by three caryatids, female busts ending in cylindrical elements that serve to support architectural elements. The three figures, featuring wings and wrapped in robes cinched at the waist by a belt, represent certain virtues. On the left is Fortitude, recognisable by the lion raised with the left hand and the club wielded with the right; in the centre is Mansuetude, holding a lamb in her arms; on the right is Faith, depicted holding a torch, symbolising eternal life and the passage to the afterlife.The entire surface of the case is decorated with bas-reliefs of sacred figures set within architectural niches. The Madonna enthroned with the Child between two angels holding a drape is sculpted on the front, in the centre; on the sides appear a martyr Saint and San Pietro on the left, while on the right are  Santa Caterina of Alexandria and Saint Paul. On the short sides of the sarcophagus, Saint Anthony of Padua is depicted on the right and Saint Francis of Assisi on the opposite side. An inscription in Gothic characters with the date 1372 runs along the edge.The recumbent figure of the deceased is carved on the lid, depicted in a supine position with his hands clasped on his stomach. The man resembles a warrior: he wears chain mail, a wide military belt and spurs on his feet, while a long sword is slung across his body and grasped by his right hand. Two dogs appear at his feet, probably related to the idea of the spiritual custody of the deceased.