L'Allegoria di san Tommaso in Sant'Eustorgio a Milano: proposte iconografiche e iconologiche

The article explores the iconographic and iconological aspects of the early and complex Allegory of saint Thomas Aquinas, frescoed in the second half of the XIVth century on the eastern wall of the Visconti Chapel in the basilica of Sant’Eustorgio in Milan. Through examination it is revealed how the fresco, deriving its composition from a variety of sources, holds a plurality of meanings that are interconnected with the philosophical thought of Saint Thomas and the glorification of his doctrine, with the influence of the Visconti patronage and with the role of the Preachers in the promotion of the cult of their eminent brother. In particular the dissertation recognises strong relationships between the representation of the Aquinas’ Allegory and not only the so-called Triumphs of saint Thomas, but also thematic and compositional models coming from Dominican and Augustinian devotion and figurative prototypes peculiar to illuminated legal manuscripts.