Pietro Gagliardi (Rome 1809-1890 Frascati)

These two pictures depict scenes from the life of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino (c. 1245-1305). As a young man, Nicola di Compagnone as he was known in his lifetime, suffered an illness during which he recieved a vision of the Virgin who instructed him to eat a bread roll dipped in water. Thenceforth he distributed these rolls whilst praying to the Virgin. He was known for his healing powers and dedication to the souls of the recently dead.