Gennaro Annese

Gennaro Annese (1604-1648) was one of the leaders of the second phase of the Neapolitan revolt of 1647-1648, after the death of Masaniello (16 July 1647). A professional gunsmith, he became known as the head of the revolt in October 1647 during the bombing of the city by the fleet commanded by Don John of Austria the younger. In addition to organizing the resistance of the city, it was he who invoked the protection of the pope and France and to contact the Duke of Guise. On October 22, after the proclamation of the Royal Neapolitan Republic, he took full command, assisted by a group of people, among them the lawyer Vincenzo D’Andrea. The contrasts with the Duke of Guise (to whom he had given military command), the lack of support from the French, the pressure of the Spaniards and the general lack of organization and of a clear plan on the part of the rebels marked the end of the experience of the Republic. The Spaniards came to Naples on 6 April, but Annese surrendered only thanks to the intervention of Cardinal Filomarino, who convinced him to surrender peacefully. He remained in contact with the French, but Annese was however arrested by the Viceroy Count of Oñate on 12 June. Tortured and subjected to a speedy trial, he was executed June 20, 1648 in the Castel novo.

Read more:

• A. Musi, La rivolta di Masaniello nella scena politica barocca, Napoli 1989.
• R. Villari, Un sogno di libertà. Napoli nel declino di un impero 1585-1648, Milano 2012.