The Story of Siena and San GimignanoGardner, Edmund G.
History
The Story of Siena and San Gimignano
Gardner, Edmund G.
Art -- Italy -- Siena; San Gimignano (Italy) -- History; Siena (Italy) -- History
There are other frescoes of less importance in other parts of the
Spedale. In the room on the left of the entrance is a fresco by
Beccafumi, one of his early works, painted in 1512, representing the
meeting of Joachim and Anne. The Infirmary of San Pietro has unimportant
frescoes by Vecchietta, and (inclosed in a tabernacle) the "Madonna of
Mercy," by Domenico di Bartolo. In the Infirmary of San Pio a "Beato
Sorore" is likewise ascribed to Domenico, and in the Infirmary of San
Galgano is a Crucifixion by Taddeo di Bartolo. The church of the
Spedale, dedicated to the Madonna of the Annunciation, was built in the
fifteenth century. The bronze Christ over the high altar is by
Vecchietta; the organ is said to have been designed by Peruzzi.
In the vaults under the Spedale are the meeting-places of several devout
confraternities, which are said to trace their origin from the first
Sienese Christians, the converts of St Ansanus, who met in secret on
this spot in the days of the Roman persecutions. You enter by the last
door in the Piazza. The chapel of Santa Maria sotto le Volte dello
Spedale, now sometimes called Santa Caterina delle Notti, was the
oratory of the "Disciplinati of the Virgin Mary of the Spedale." St
Catherine was intimately associated with this confraternity, which was
conspicuous for its active works of charity, and to which a number of
her disciples belonged. One of her latest letters was written from Rome
to the Prior and Brothers of the Company.[104] It was whilst praying
here in 1380 that Stefano Maconi heard a voice in his heart telling him
that Catherine was dying, and he at once hastened to Rome to receive her
last injunctions. In a little cell, adjoining the oratory, St Catherine
passed long hours in prayer, and from it she assisted at the offices of
the Disciplinati. Here is still shown the hard bed of stone upon which
she slept, in the intervals of tending the sick at the hospital. In a
room beyond, belonging to the confraternity of St Catherine, are some
pictures; a Madonna and Child with Saints by Taddeo di Bartolo, and four
small paintings, much restored, in the manner of Girolamo del Pacchia.
One of the latter represents the members of the confraternity dressed as
you may still see them at the door of St Catherine's house on the day
of her festa. Before reaching the oratory, another flight of steps to
the left leads down to the meeting-place of the Confraternity of the
Madonna. Here are a number of pictures, including a Holy Family by
Bazzi; St Catherine leading Pope Gregory back to Rome (though, as a
matter of fact, she was present only in spirit) by Benvenuto di
Giovanni; a Madonna and Child with Saints by Sano di Pietro. Hung very
high up are two small triptychs--the one representing the Crucifixion,
Flagellation, Entombment--the other the Blessed Virgin with the two
Catherines and other Saints. Mr Berenson ascribes them to Duccio and
Fungai respectively. Beyond is the chapel of the confraternity, with
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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