Bishop, protector and miracle worker · Saint Nicholas of Myra

Paolo Veneziano, Lorenzetti, Crivelli and Bicci di Lorenzo tell the story of Nicholas of Bari through his miracles, his secret charity and his episcopal presence.

Saint Nicholas, bishop of Myra in Lycia, became one of the most popular saints of medieval Christianity. His relics were transferred to Bari in the 11th century, which explains his frequent name of Nicholas of Bari in Italian painting. Legends insist on charity exercised discreetly: he gave gold to three poor young girls to enable them to marry. Three gold balls or purses thus become his most famous attribute. Ambrogio Lorenzetti thus becomes his most famous attribute. Ambrogio Lorenzetti thus becomes his most famous attribute. Ambrogio Lorenzetti represents this generosity as a nocturnal and concrete gesture. Ambrogio Lorenzetti thus becomes his most famous attribute. Ambrogio Lorenzetti thus becomes his most famous attribute. Ambrogio Lorenzetti represents this generosity as a nocturnal and concrete gesture. Paolo Lorenzetti represents this generosity as a nocturnal and concrete gesture. Paolo Lorenzetti represents this generosity as a nocturnal and concrete gesture. Ambrogio Lorenzetti thus becomes his most famous attribute. Ambrogio Lorenzetti thus becomes his most famous attribute. Ambrogio saint saving sailors from a storm, recalling his role as protector of travelers and navigators. Carlo Crivelli concentrates his figure as bishop in a precious portrait, with miter, crosier and meticulous ornaments. The "Saint Nicholas" selection notably compares History of Saint Nicholas of Bari - Paolo Veneziano and The Charity of Saint Nicholas of Bari - Ambrogio Lorenzetti. His reading favors atmosphere.

Nicolas protects without trying to be seen: a purse placed in the night becomes the lasting sign of active charity.