The Burial of Saint Zenobius 1474 - 1484

Davide Ghirlandaio painted “The Burial of Saint Zenobius,” using tempera on wood, offering us a window into the religious and social customs of Renaissance Florence. Painted during a time of growing humanist thought, the piece reflects the intersection of religious tradition with an emerging focus on human experience. The figures attending the burial are depicted with a sense of solemnity and reverence, typical of Renaissance art which aimed to capture the emotional gravitas of religious events. Ghirlandaio subtly challenges conventional representations by embedding the scene within a highly detailed, contemporary urban landscape. The painting evokes contemplation on the interplay between faith, community, and the earthly realm, all while inviting us to reflect on the cultural values that shaped Renaissance society.