SIGNORELLI, Luca
(b. ca. 1450, Cortona, d. 1523, Cortona)

Life of St Benedict, Scene 25: Benedict Tells Two Monks What They Have Eaten

1499-1502
Fresco
Abbazia, Monteoliveto Maggiore

Scene 25 of the cycle on the life of St Benedict depicts Benedict telling two monks where and what they have eaten outside the monastery.

In a number of scenes Benedict is required to be stern with his weaker brothers, either because they have become possessed by demons (Scene 13) or because they have given in to their cravings (Scene 25).

The scenes in which the community is confronted with a group of voluptuous women (Scene 19) and two of the brothers gorge themselves at a nearby inn (Scene 25) stand out with their brighter colours and rich details.