GIROLAMO
SAVONAROLA
by
Fra Bartolomeo (1472–1517)
1498, 47 x 31 cm
Girolamo Savonarola (1452-1498), born in Ferrara,
was for some time prior of the Convent of San Marco. Inspired by an aversion for
worldly things, and the highest religious ideals, with his example and his obscurely
threatening and prophetic sermons he condemned first the corrupt way of life of
Florence then the church hierarchy in Rome.
Ignoring numerous reprimands and contemptuous of
danger, he was condemned to death: together with his fellow friars, Domenico da
Pescia and Silvestro Maruffi, he was hanged and burnt in Piazza Signoria on 23
May 1498.
The portrait of Savonarola was painted by Fra Bartolomeo
while he was alive.