Painter Allegretto Nuzi from Fabriano: experiencing stop motion in the XIV century

 

Hidden behind the choir’s stalls of San Venanzio’s Cathedral in Fabriano, Italy, there is a narrow passage leading to the fascinating chapel of San Lorenzo. A document from 1365 mentioning that works were still being carried out on this part of the church helps to confirm the belief that local artist Allegretto Nuzi (Fabriano 1320 – 1372) was executing these frescoes at that time.

 

The subject matter refers to the “Storie della vita di San Lorenzo”, based on the tale by Jacopo da Varagine. Even if some parts of the paintings are lost, the splendid colors have been perfectly preserved, and the representation is full of life. Look, for example, at the flagellation. Lorenzo’s long feet overwhelm the brown thin frame, while the stick handled by the man at his right is hidden by the naked body meaning that the man is beating Lorenzo’s back – nevertheless he is looking at him in the eyes. Or pay attention to the grey-dressed man in the scene below, and how his spear seems to be twisting in the body burning on the minimal designed grill.

 

A similar narrow passage on the opposite side of the choir leads to another hidden Chapel, probably from the same period. The author is unknown, but the difference between this frescos and the Allegretto’s paintings is evident. The good art never lies.

September 22, 2014