RICERCHE ICONOGRAFICHE TRA AGIOGRAFIA E DEVOZIONE POPOLARE: IL “MIRACOLO DEL PANE DI SANT’ONOFRIO BAMBINO”

Abstract

The iconographic analysis of a recently discovered painting, representing a variation in the traditional hagiography of St. Onuphrius, offers the chance for a historical and artistic excursus into the society and the religious life of the XVI century. This article focuses on the existence of devotional practices which were so widespread and influential that even the most authoritative hagiographic publications had to take them into account. What emerges in particular is the role played by the Congregation of Hermits of St. Jerome which organized an efficient and well-planned devotional strategy during the XVI century in order to associate St. Onuphrius with their founder, Blessed Pietro Gambacorta from Pisa.