Stories of Saint Benedict in Monte Oliveto Maggiore, Fresco cycle at Monte Oliveto Maggiore Abbey, Italy.
Stories of Saint Benedict in Monte Oliveto Maggiore is a fresco cycle of 36 scenes arranged along the cloister's covered corridors. The scenes depict the life of Saint Benedict with fine details and vibrant colors painted directly onto the walls.
The frescoes were created between 1497 and 1505 by two prominent painters, Luca Signorelli and Sodoma. Their works were based on the biography of Saint Benedict written by Pope Gregory the Great centuries earlier.
The frescoes show Saint Benedict's life in ways that held deep meaning for medieval monks in the community. They served as visual teachings about spiritual leadership and monastic living.
The best way to view the frescoes is to walk slowly through the cloister's covered passages and take time to observe the details. Lighting and time of day affect how well you can see the colors and painted scenes.
One of the painters included a self-portrait within the painted scenes. You can spot him depicted with long hair and surrounded by his pet animals.
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