Virtual Gallery


Christian Saints

St. Benedict of Nursia


        St. Benedict of Nursia was born into an aristocratic family around 480 in the Umbrian province of Nursia. Around 500 he retired to a cave in a place, which was to become known as Sacro Speco near the Lake of Subiaco. In 529 Benedict founded the Abbey of Monte Cassino and composed his famous Rule, which has served ever since as a basis both for Benedictines and for western monastic life generally. Benedict was the spiritual forefather of all the western orders, and is called the Patriarch of western monasticism. He is the patron of the Benedictine Order and, since 1964, of Europe. In fine art he is often depicted with a raven, carrying off the poisoned bread with which some rebellious monks wanted to poison him, a cup (broken, or with a snake crawling out of it).
See: Cima da Conegliano. Madonna and Child Enthroned with St. Peter, St. Romuald, St. Benedict, and St. Paul.
Giotto Madonna and Child with St. Nicholas, St. John the Evangelist, St. Peter and St. Benedict.
Fra Filippo Lippi St. Benedict Orders St. Maurus to the Rescue of St. Placidus.
Hans Memling St. Benedict.
 
 

Christian Saints Index

Home      Artist Index     Country Index

Contact/Submit     theNSAisWATCHIN     News Monster     Images Archive       News Monster Archive
The Frances Farmers Revenge Web Portal