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.
Title:
The Pope grants an indulgence
Author:
Domenico di Bartolo
Date:
1443
Attractions:
Locations:
Typologie:
fresco
Materials:
fresco
The Pope grants an indulgence
The scene takes place under a large portico, with a hexagonal building and a structure made of bichrome marble in the background, while the inlaid floor recalls the interior of Siena Cathedral. On either side of the portico are figures pointing toward the main scene. The arch framing the narrative features two male figures in Oriental attire—one of whom may represent the Eastern Emperor John VIII Palaiologos, while the other, wearing a turban, could allude to African delegations present at the Council of Ferrara-Florence. The interpretation of the fresco is supported by the parchment held by the pope, dated March 25, 1443, and referencing Psalm 110. The seated pope, identified as Eugene IV, is handing the parchment to the rector of the hospital, Carlo d’Agnolino Bartoli, who kneels before him. Although the legend refers to hospital grants dating back to 1193, the scene includes numerous efforts to identify contemporary historical figures—among them, a young man wearing a damask doublet with a ferret around his neck, next to two kneeling men. A fawn is seen crouched on the ground.
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