Life of St Benedict, Scene 1: Benedict Leaves His Parent's House

Scene 1 of the cycle on the life of St Benedict depicts Benedict leaving his parent's house in Norcia to study in Rome. He is accompanied by his nurse, Cirilla. The young saint, seated on a very lively and temperamental white horse, stands out effectively against the broad landscape. He has turned in the saddle to look back at his parents, who are staying behind, while a groom sets out ahead. The composition was inspired by the first scene in Pinturicchio's Siena cycle.