Santa Maria in Aracoeli


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Cappella di San Bernardino
Cappella Bufalini
The altarpiece fresco is the Glory of St. Bernardino, on two levels. The saint was an indefatigable preacher, and he concentrated on the topic of the Name of Jesus to the extent that he always had a banner with him bearing the letters IHS from the Greek IHΣYΣ. (The church still possesses the original banner.). The lower section portrays Bernardino on a rock, with open arms, surmounted by two angels crowning him. He is flanked by the saints Augustine and Antony of Padua, while in the background is a landscape inspired by those of Umbria. St Bernardine is holding an open book which says "Father, I have made known your name to everyone". The upper sector depicts a blessing Christ within a mandorla, with angels and musicians.

(Photo borrowed from internet)
© JTSH26