Arvi Wattel
Between private and public: Garofalo’s paintings for San Bernardino in Ferrara
The Hermitage in St Petersburg owns four paintings by Garofalo that once belonged to the convent of San Bernardino. The four paintings formed part of a larger group of 10 works, which Garofalo executed Pro Deo in the years between 1528 and 1537 for the Poor Clares’ convent in Ferrara. Three of these paintings were destined for the refectory, five for the nun’s choir and two for independent chapels. Although the paintings were clearly made for a female audience – and within enclosed walls (in clausura) presumably only limited accessible - there is reason to believe Garofalo intended to address a larger audience. One might ask if Garofalo’s donation to the Poor Clares was only motivated by his devotion, or that other considerations were at play.