Benedectine Monasteries of Subiaco , clic sull'icona benedettina per tornare alla home
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The Holy Steps outside the entrance to St. Gregory's chapel, lead to Our Lady's Chapel. On the right, on the arch of the vault is the Slaughter of the Innocents. Notice the mother who, with a silent look full of sorrow, gives her baby a last kiss, whilst a horrible soldier armed with the sword and crouching like a wild beast, draws near to her.
On the vault of the chapel are painted the Annunciation, the Coronation, the Purification and the Virgin who protects with her mantle all those who are devoted to her. On the wall beneath the round window are depicted the Nativity and the Adoration of the Magi. In the latter scene notice how the Divine Child with one hand fondles one of the king's white head of hair, whilst with the other hand He blessed him. The king has taken off his royal crown and kneeling down kisses Our Lord's little foot, whilst Mary looks on in admiration.
On the wall in front of the altar is the Death of the Virgin. The Apostles stand round about her; St. Peter, wearing the pallium, has the aspersorium in his hand; near him, on the right, an Apostle is holding the holy water; on the left, another Apostle is blowing in the thurible
On the right side of the fresco are some Pharisees who, according to apocryphal accounts, were struck blind and their hands were paralysed because they wanted to burn Our Lady's Body. Higher up, on the same wall, is the Assumption of Our Lady.
The Blessed Virgin has her left arm on her Son's shoulder and sweetly leans her cheek on her hand. On the apse is Our Lady on a throne with the Divine Child; beside her there are Angels and two Popes. Lower down is the Crucifixion, Our Lady and St. John; on the left are St. Placid and St. Maurus and on the right St. Benedict.