Life of St Benedict, Scene 7. Benedict Instructs the Peasants 1508

This fresco by Il Sodoma, painted in 1508, depicts a scene from the life of Saint Benedict, one of the most important figures in the development of Western monasticism. In this specific panel, "Life of St. Benedict, Scene 7. Benedict Instructs the Peasants," the saint, seated and wearing the traditional white habit, is instructing a group of rural workers, conveying the importance of labor and simplicity in the monastic way of life. The scene's setting is a serene landscape, emphasizing the connection between nature and spirituality, a characteristic of Sodoma's work. The artist’s signature style combines realism with a sense of spiritual depth, making this artwork a compelling and beautiful depiction of a pivotal moment in Saint Benedict's life.