A fresco cycle depicting forty Dominican scholars at their desks in the chapter room of the former convent of San Nicolo in Treviso remains the most significant surviving work by Tommaso da Modena. Completed in 1352, this project serves as a clear expression of the Dominican intellectual tradition, featuring portraits of popes, cardinals, theologians, and philosophers.
Artistic Development and Scope
Born in 1326 in Modena, Tommaso Barisini, also known as Tommaso Baffini, pursued his training in Venice. He operated primarily within Northern Italy throughout his career. His professional reach extended to the court of Emperor Charles IV in Prague, marking him as a painter of notable geographical influence during the mid-14th century. Historical documentation suggests his work reflects the collaborative environment of medieval workshops, where attribution often becomes a modern exercise in reconstruction.
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The Dominican cycle at San Nicolo includes detailed depictions of historical figures such as Cardinal Annibale Annibaldi, Thomas Aquinas, Cardinal Hugh Aycelin, and Cardinal Latino Malabranca Orsini. These individuals were associated with the Dominican studium at Santa Sabina. The collection further captures Bishop Albert the Great and Cardinal Hugh of Saint-Cher. The portrait of Saint-Cher provides the earliest known artistic representation of an individual wearing spectacles. Beyond this cycle, his oeuvre includes the Stories of Saint Ursula, which comprises scenes such as La partenza da Roma, The sending of the Ambassadors of the King of England, Commiato di Orsola dalla madre, Gli ambasciatori inglesi presso il re di Bretagna, The Dream of the Pope, Incontro di Orsola con il Papa a Roma, and the Abdication of the Pope.
Preservation and Legacy
Tommaso's influence extended to various religious structures. In Karlstein Castle, scholars attribute two wood panel paintings—an Ecce Homo and a Madonna—to his hand. A representation of St Catherine is currently housed in the Gallerie dell'Accademia in Venice. Additionally, a fresco cycle originally located in the church of Santa Margherita degli Eremitani narrowly avoided destruction; saved from demolition in 1882, the work was subsequently restored and relocated to the Treviso Civic Museum. Tommaso da Modena died in 1379 at the age of 53.
Fast facts
- Born: 1326, Modena
- Died: 1379
- Occupation: Painter
- Notable cycle: 40 Dominicans at San Nicolo
- Early work: Stories of Saint Ursula
- Historical milestone: First depiction of spectacles in portraiture
Questions readers ask
Where can the 1352 Dominican fresco cycle be seen?
The cycle is located in the chapter room of the former Dominican convent of San Nicolo in Treviso, now a seminary.
What is the significance of the portrait of Cardinal Hugh of Saint-Cher?
It is recognized as the earliest known depiction of a person wearing spectacles.
Achievements
- Notable work: Stories of Saint Ursula
- Notable work: Battesimo del principe d'Inghilterra (Stories of Saint Ursula)
- Notable work: Commiato di Orsola dalla madre (Stories of Saint Ursula)
- Notable work: Gli ambasciatori inglesi presso il re of Bretagna (Stories of Saint Ursula)
