Enlargement of the hospital
The fresco in the third bay depicts a construction site related to the hospital, with an octagonal building in the background and a portico where some workers are engaged in the construction.
The fresco in the third bay of the Pellegrinaio depicts a construction site related to the hospital, with an octagonal building in the background and a portico where workers are engaged in their tasks.
The fresco in the third bay of the Pellegrinaio depicts a construction site related to the hospital, with an octagonal building in the background and a portico where workers are engaged in their tasks.
Enlargement of the hospital
The fresco has prompted various interpretations regarding the identification of the figures and their roles, although there is no disagreement about the general theme of the scene. The legend, which may have been altered in the 18th century, has influenced these readings. The scene depicts a construction site related to the hospital complex, featuring an octagonal building in the background, a classical portico on the right, and a worksite on the left where several laborers are engaged in their tasks. A master builder stands in the center, while a worker operates a winch above the scaffolding. An oblate, in a gesture of deference, receives a donation for the construction work. A procession rich with figures, some on horseback, is seen on the left side. The bishop is a debated figure: some believe he is riding a mule, while others argue he is not actually depicted in the fresco, but only referenced in the legend, which emphasizes the connection between the hospital and the Cathedral. The figure making the donation has been subject to different interpretations either as a layperson or a cleric. One hypothesis links a knight in the foreground to Niccolò Piccinino, who was in Siena during the stay of Pope Eugene IV.
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Story of blessed Sorore
The fresco depicts the story of Sorore and is prominently displayed today on the left side, above the door leading to the aisles of Sant'Ansano and San Galgano.
The fresco depicts the story of Sorore and is prominently displayed today on the left side, above the door leading to the aisles of Sant'Ansano and San Galgano.
Agostino Novello gives the habit to the rector
The fresco by Priamo della Quercia located in the Pellegrinaio, in the fourth bay on the right, represents the blessed Agostino Novello presenting the Augustinian habit to the Rector. Among the characters, the emperor John VIII Palaiologos can be recognized.
The fresco by Priamo della Quercia located in the Pellegrinaio, in the fourth bay on the right, represents the blessed Agostino Novello presenting the Augustinian habit to the Rector. Among the characters, the emperor John VIII Palaiologos can be recognized.
The Pope grants an indulgence
The fresco in the fifth bay on the right located in the Pellegrinaio depicts Eugene IV handing a scroll to Carlo d'Agnolino Bartoli. In the background, Oriental and African figures can be seen.
The fresco in the fifth bay on the right located in the Pellegrinaio depicts Eugene IV handing a scroll to Carlo d'Agnolino Bartoli. In the background, Oriental and African figures can be seen.
Care of the Sick
The fresco, by Domenico di Bartolo, is located in the fifth bay on the left in the Pellegrinaio and depicts a medieval hospital with doctors, friars, and nurses, offering a detailed portrayal of hospital life from 1378.
The fresco, by Domenico di Bartolo, is located in the fifth bay on the left in the Pellegrinaio and depicts a medieval hospital with doctors, friars, and nurses, offering a detailed portrayal of hospital life from 1378.