BUGIARDINI, Giuliano
(b. 1475, Firenze, d. 1554, Firenze)

Scenes from the Story of Tobias (1)

c. 1500
Poplar, 60 x 159 cm
Staatliche Museen, Berlin

The story of Tobit, a book from the Apocrypha, was a particularly popular text because it is devoted to the wanderings of a boy, Tobias, in search of a cure for the blindness of his father, Tobit. Throughout his journey, Tobias is protected by a guardian angel, Raphael, and accompanied by his faithful dog. As so many young Florentines were commercial travelers or apprentices, often at worrisome distances from home, their parents had sufficient grounds for concern. Tobias' happy tale, along with its reassuring filial piety, was one they seldom tired of telling, whether in art or life.

Two grand, richly narrative friezelike images, known as 'spalliere' are ascribed to Bugiardini. The first panel shows, from left to right, Tobias taking leave of his parents, journeying with Raphael to catch the fish whose liver will cure Tobit, his engagement to Sarah, and their bridal night. The second panel presents Tobias leaving Sarah after a dance and banquet, his mother on a hilltop in the background.




© Web Gallery of Art, created by Emil Krén and Daniel Marx.