Life of St Benedict, Scene 1. Benedict Leaves His Parent's House 1508

Il Sodoma's "Life of St Benedict, Scene 1. Benedict Leaves His Parent's House" (1508) depicts the titular saint, dressed in a red cloak and riding a white horse, as he departs from his family. The scene unfolds in a picturesque landscape with a distant city, highlighting the separation from Benedict's former life. The composition, with a group of mourners following, emphasizes the emotional weight of Benedict's decision to pursue a life of monasticism. The work exemplifies the High Renaissance style, characterized by balanced composition, a sense of naturalism, and a focus on emotional depth.