The ceiling of the Pellegrinaio
The ceiling decoration of the pilgrims' hall, created between 1439 and 1440 by Agostino di Marsiglio in the five bays and four connecting arches, depicts saints and Old Testament figures, along with coats of arms and vegetal motifs.
The ceiling decoration in the Pellegrinaio hall, created between 1439 and 1441 by Agostino di Marsiglio, features saints and figures, along with coats of arms and vegetal motifs, across the five spans and four connecting arches.
The ceiling decoration in the Pellegrinaio hall, created between 1439 and 1441 by Agostino di Marsiglio, features saints and figures, along with coats of arms and vegetal motifs, across the five spans and four connecting arches.
The ceiling of the Pellegrinaio
The ceiling decoration was created between 1439 and 1440 by Agostino di Marsiglio. In the Pellegrinaio, the painter painted five bays of the ceiling along with the four connecting transverse arches. The intricate division of the vaults, keystones, and arches features a substantial number of Old Testament figures and saints, alongside anonymous faces of individuals linked to the hospital community. Each of the four vault bays, painted in blue with golden stars, bears at its center a roundel depicting a figure from the Old Testament or a prophet. The keystones display four generic faces, while the transverse arches sequentially portray saints whose names are indicated in the framing borders between each figure. The double bands dividing the vaults are decorated with vegetal motifs and the coats of arms of the Comune (municipality), the Popolo, the Santa Maria della Scala hospital, and two rectors—Carlo d’Agnolino and Giovanni di Francesco Buzzichelli, the latter being the acting rector at the time the ceiling decoration was executed. It has been hypothesized that the presence of Agnolino’s coat of arms refers to the active role played by the former rector, a man of great learning, in developing the complex iconographic program, which includes fifty-six figures drawn from the ancient Christian tradition, alongside more recently canonized saints. The program features the four patrons of Siena—Ansano, Savino, Vittore, and Crescenzio—as well as local saints Galgano, Guglielmo da Malavalle, and Mustiola. Additionally, saints, martyrs, and Church Fathers are present.
Related Artworks
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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.
Enlargement of the hospital
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.
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.