Saint Bernardino of Siena 1460 - 1470

This woodcut of Saint Bernardino of Siena was made in the mid-fifteenth century, likely in Germany. It depicts the saint with a halo, holding a book and the emblem of the Holy Name of Jesus. The image's visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations create meaning. For example, the cities in the background, Urbino, Ferrara, and Siena, all tie Bernardino to important centers of the Italian Renaissance. As a Franciscan friar and preacher, Bernardino was active in a period of intense religious and social change. His focus on personal piety and the importance of the Holy Name resonated with a population seeking spiritual renewal. The institutional history of the Catholic Church and the rise of Humanism influenced artistic production and the social role of religious imagery. Art historians explore these themes by researching religious practices, social movements, and the patronage of religious art. Art is contingent on these social and institutional contexts and reflects the complex interplay between faith, politics, and culture in the 15th century.