Saint Nicholas of Tolentino

1454–69

Oil and tempera with traces of gold on poplar panel

131.5 x 58 cm

Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Milan

Born in 1245, Nicholas became a devoted follower of Saint Augustine and is depicted here wearing the order’s habit. He was ordained as a priest as a young man and left home to minister in Tolentino. With his right index finger, Nicholas points to a golden star, the miraculous sign that reputedly led him to the war-torn city. Following his death, Tolentino beame a pilgrimage site. Nicholas was canonized as a saint in 1446, shortly before Piero painted the Sant’Agostino altarpiece.

NOT IN THE EXHIBITION