The Alms of the Little Courtyard
The alms of the small courtyard are located in the third bay of the Pilgrims' Hall. This bay is one of the most significant, as it hosts scenes related to hospitality and the care of pilgrims, including the distribution of alms, in a context that reflects the charitable and care practices of the medieval hospital.
The alms of the small courtyard are located in the third bay of the Pilgrims' Hall. This bay is one of the most significant, as it hosts scenes related to hospitality and the care of pilgrims, including the distribution of alms, in a context that reflects the charitable and care practices of the medieval hospital.
The alms of the little courtyard
The scene takes place in a large porticoed space with a vaulted ceiling, inside a medieval hospital. Although the exact location is uncertain, it is hypothesized that the scene occurs in the 14th-century corticella, an area used to house the poor and children. The fresco depicts several figures: a steward who gives instructions to a young attendant, a friar who receives a poor man, and two elegant figures who observe the scene. The depiction recalls practices linked to the hospital, such as the distribution of meals to the poor, an obligatory act according to the hospital statutes of 1305. The hospital organized lunches for the poor and also provided meals to nobles who had fallen into poverty. The corticella was therefore a multifunctional space, used for the distribution of food and for entrusting children to pilgrims.
Related Artworks
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The story of Sorore
The fresco in the Pellegrinaio hall, depicting the Story of Sorore, now hangs on the left above the side door that leads to the aisles of Sant'Ansano and San Galgano.
The fresco in the Pellegrinaio hall, depicting the Story of Sorore, now hangs on the left above the side door that leads to the aisles of Sant'Ansano and San Galgano.
The growth of walls
The fresco in the third bay of the pilgrims' hall shows a construction site associated with the hospital, with an octagonal building in the background and a portico where some workers are engaged in the work.
The fresco in the third bay of the pilgrims' hall shows a construction site associated with the hospital, with an octagonal building in the background and a portico where some workers are engaged in the work.
Agostino Novello hands the robe to the rector
The fresco by Priamo della Quercia located in the Pellegrinaio hall, in the fourth bay on the right, depicts the Blessed Agostino Novello presenting the Augustinian habit to the Rector. Among the figures, the emperor John VIII Palaiologos can be recognized.
The fresco by Priamo della Quercia located in the Pellegrinaio hall, in the fourth bay on the right, depicts the Blessed Agostino Novello presenting the Augustinian habit to the Rector. Among the figures, the emperor John VIII Palaiologos can be recognized.
The Pope grants the indulgence
The fresco in the fifth bay on the right, located in the Pellegrinaio hall, depicts Eugene IV handing a parchment to Carlo d'Agnolino Bartoli. In the background, Eastern and African figures can be seen.
The fresco in the fifth bay on the right, located in the Pellegrinaio hall, depicts Eugene IV handing a parchment to Carlo d'Agnolino Bartoli. In the background, Eastern and African figures can be seen.