Scrittoio del Tamagni

The Scrittoio del Tamagni is a frescoed study in Montalcino's former Spedale di Santa Maria della Croce, decorated by Vincenzo Tamagni in the early sixteenth century.

Why it matters

The room combines Renaissance painting with the history of an institution that managed charity and hospital records. Its decoration presents learning, virtue and civic administration within the setting where the hospital's documents were kept.

What to notice

Frescoes depict figures from antiquity, including Aristotle, Cicero, Scipio and Plato, alongside virtuous heroines such as Lucretia and Judith. The programme also includes David, Joshua, a Madonna and Child with Saints Jerome and Gregory, and a scene identified as the Judgment of Solomon. Painted shelves and cabinets imitate furnishings associated with a working study.

Context and history

Between 1506 and 1512, hospital rector Andronico di Giovanni commissioned Vincenzo Tamagni to decorate the study. Tamagni had worked in the circle of Raphael in Rome. The Spedale di Santa Maria della Croce held extensive property and provided social and medical assistance. After its functions moved elsewhere, the room entered civic use and became part of Montalcino's heritage.