The Duomo of Orvieto was designed by Lorenzo Maitani and many others. Some of the key features of the Cathedral are its mosaics, stained glass windows, sculptures, and frescoes. Because of the isolated location of the cathedral, many visitors question its splendidness. Its extravagant decoration is dedicated to an unknown pope who, in 1260, visited Orvieto on a pilgrimage to Rome. Legend claims this priest was skeptical of the sacraments being the actual body of Christ. However, during one the ceremonies, the bread began to bleed, staining the cloth that covered the table of the sacraments. This event confirmed the pope’s faith and reaffirmed his disbelief. From that moment forward, the blood stained cloth was considered by the Cathedral of Orvieto to be a holy relic. Since 1260, the architects of the Cathedral have tried to ornament the building, portraying its worth for obtaining such a holy piece of material.
Around 1447, through the invitation of Pope Eugene IV, Fra Angelico (1395-1455) and Benozzo, along with their many helpers, were commissioned to decorate the interior of the Cathedral in Orvieto, specifically the chapel of Madonna di San Brizio. Because of tension between artists, the ceiling frescoes suffered, remaining unfinished for fifty years until Luca Signorelli (1499-1503) decided to finish them. Signorelli painted with a technique that combined Romanesque and Gothic style. He portrayed many biblical scenes like the “Apocalypse” and “The Last Judgment”. His most significant fresco shows “The Preaching of the Antichrist” which holds figures like Dante, Raphael, Christopher Columbus, and a self-portrait.
Not only does Signorelli focus on the struggle of the Christians, but he also declares that Jesus is the all-powerful, all-knowing Savior over his created order. This he shows by placing a fresco of Jesus directly over the altar. Jesus is wearing a halo signifying his majesty and glowing gold, showing that he is of divine nature. Jesus seems to be holding a royal sphere in his left hand, while lifting his right hand. This signifies that Jesus reigns supreme, yet he blesses all who enter his kingdom.
Sources:
* https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/ornate-orvieto
** http://www.wondermondo.com/Countries/E/IT/Umbria/OrvietoCathedral.htm
*** http://brunelleschi.imss.fi.it/benozzogozzoli/works/Orvieto.html
****http://www.paradoxplace.com/Perspectives/Italian%20Images/Montages/Umbria%20&%20Le%20Marche/Orvieto/Orvieto%20Duomo%20San%20Brizio.htme to edit.
* https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/ornate-orvieto
** http://www.wondermondo.com/Countries/E/IT/Umbria/OrvietoCathedral.htm
*** http://brunelleschi.imss.fi.it/benozzogozzoli/works/Orvieto.html
****http://www.paradoxplace.com/Perspectives/Italian%20Images/Montages/Umbria%20&%20Le%20Marche/Orvieto/Orvieto%20Duomo%20San%20Brizio.htme to edit.