Artwork
St Nicholas of Tolentino performing a Miracle
St Nicholas of Tolentino performing a Miracle is an oil painting by the High Renaissance artist Franciabigio. It dates from 1517 and is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum. Created in 1517, this oil painting portrays Saint Nicholas of Tolentino in the act of a miraculous intervention.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1517, this oil painting portrays Saint Nicholas of Tolentino in the act of a miraculous intervention. The composition centers on the saint, dressed in a dark robe, holding a book and gesturing outward, while a group of onlookers in vivid attire watches attentively. The darkened background heightens the contrast between figures, drawing the eye to the central narrative moment.
Subject & Meaning
The work illustrates a legend associated with Nicholas of Tolentino, a 13th‑century Augustinian monk revered for his charitable deeds and posthumous miracles. By depicting the saint addressing a crowd, the artist emphasizes his role as an intercessor, inviting viewers to contemplate themes of divine aid and the power of faith manifested through miraculous acts.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil on panel, the painting employs chiaroscuro to model forms through stark light‑dark contrasts, a hallmark of High Renaissance visual language. The figures are rendered with careful anatomical detail, while the saturated clothing colors stand out against the deep shadows, creating a three‑dimensional presence that guides the viewer’s focus toward the saint’s gesture.
History & Provenance
Attributed to the Florentine painter known as Franciabigio—whose full name may have been Francesco di Cristofano—the canvas entered the Ashmolean Museum’s collection, where it remains on display. Franciabigio’s activity during the early 16th century situates the piece within the mature phase of the Florentine Renaissance, reflecting the period’s artistic currents and devotional commissions.
Artist & collection
Artist
Franciabigio (1482 – 24 January 1525) was an Italian painter of the Florentine Renaissance. His true name may have been Francesco di Cristofano; he is also referred to as either Marcantonio Franciabigio or Francia Bigio.
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