La promozione del culto di san Tommaso d’Aquino: rete tra conventi domenicani e circolazione di modelli iconografici (XIV sec.)

The article explores the development of the iconography of saint Thomas Aquinas through the 14th century in connection with the role of the Preachers in the promotion of the cult of their eminent brother. In particular the dissertation deals with an in-depth analysis of the early and complex Allegory of saint Thomas Aquinas frescoed on the eastern wall of the Visconti Chapel in the basilica of Sant’Eustorgio in Milan. Deriving its composition from a variety of sources, this fresco holds a plurality of meanings that are interconnected with the glorification of the doctrine of saint Thomas Aquinas and his philosophical thought. Through examination it is possible to recognize a thick network between the Allegory in the basilica of Sant’Eustorgio 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.