The church of Santa Maria dei Bianchi, formerly the oratory of the Disciplinati, houses one of the greatest masterpieces by Pietro Vannucci known as Perugino, the fresco depicting “The Adoration of the Magi”.
In 1504, the confraternity of the Disciplinati (or Santa Maria dei Bianchi) of Città della Pieve, Perugino’s hometown, began negotiations with the painter for the frescoing of the wall behind the altar of its oratory. From Perugia, where he had a residence, he replied that the request could be fulfilled for a fee of 200 florins, but he said he was willing “as a fellow townsman” to accept the commission for 100. The patrons declared they could not afford even this amount, so in another letter Perugino added that he would reduce the fee to 25, asking that they come immediately to get him with a mule, as he was ready to start work.
The church is part of a museum circuit that unfolds along a city route including also the Palazzo della Corgna, the Diocesan Civic Museum of Santa Maria dei Servi, the cathedral, the church of San Pietro, and the oratory of San Bartolomeo.
Information about the Oratory of Santa Maria dei Bianchi
Via del Casalino,
06062 Città della Pieve (Perugia)
promopieve@cittadellapieve.org
Source: MIBACT
