IL Sodoma
By Noah Zacaroli
Biography
- Born 1477 in Vercelli, Italy
- Spent most of his life in the Tuscan city of Siena, Italy
- Schooled in the Lombard Manner in Northern Italy
- His lifestyle was very humble, as throughout his life he gained a wide reputation as a homosexual. Although he did have this reputation, his artwork was still backed by many religious figures
- Il Sodoma was a painter who created many marvels such as the frescoes in the Oratory of San Bernardino in Siena, and the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes in the convent of Saint Anna
- His art style reflected the transition from the High Renaissance to the Mannerism period
- Il Sodoma's patrons included Agostino Chigi, Pope Julius II, and Pope Leo X.
- Il Sodoma died in February 1549 in Siena, Italy
"Scenes from the Life of Saint Benedict"
- The piece's formal name is "Scenes from the Life of Saint Benedict" and was created sometime between 1505-1508 in Siena, Italy
- The painting is currently located in the Territorial Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, in Tuscany, Italy
- The significance of this piece comes from the story it is telling. The painting is portraying the image of Saint Benedict teaching the Doctrine to peasants, further spreading religion throughout the region.
- I personally find the painting interesting because of the intricate background. The attention to detail is seen clearly in the background as the colors and shapes all mix together to create one beautiful image of a city.
- This piece exemplifies Illusionism. Although it appears as if the Saint is sitting just beyond the arches, it is actually just a painting within the piece. The painting tricks the viewer into thinking that the object is real by using deception and imitation.
- In this particular piece, the concept of Quadratura is used. This was a technique used where a painting is confused with the building in which it was being displayed.