3-098-355 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Recognition of the Carthusian cardinal and saint, Niccolò Albergati, 1632. The Italian Nicolás Albergati (1375-1443), a Carthusian scholar, was appointed cardinal in 1426. He enjoyed the favour of the papacy and served as papal legate at the Council of Ferrara, where, thanks to his mediation, important agreements were reached between different churches and states. This role as mediator is reflected here in the background scene, where the Carthusian acts as an intermediary between several kings and the Byzantine emperor. In the foreground, we see him kneeling, wearing the red cardinal's cape over the white Carthusian habit. One of a series of paintings celebrating the founding of the Carthusian Order by Saint Bruno of Cologne (1035-1101) and its principal members, depicting various episodes from Carthusian history and tradition.