A Painting by Garofalo in the Metropolitan Museum Depicts One of the Most Touching Miracles of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino
An ascetic, he refused meat even during a grave illness. When a dish of roast partridges was brought to him, the saint merely made the sign of the cross over them. The birds came to life at once and flew away straight from the plate.
In this canvas of 1530 the moment is rendered with astonishing vividness. We see the amazement of those around him and the meek resolve of the monks.
The artist has masterfully caught the movement, with one bird still touching the dish while the second is already taking to its wings. The work is a reminder of the power of faith, able to overcome even the laws of physical death
