Pistoia - Ospedale del Ceppo

The Ospedale del Ceppo, to the north of the Palazzo del Comune in Pistoia, was founded in the 13th or 14th century; it takes its name from the offertory-box (ceppo) in which alms for the poor and sick were collected. At the beginning of the 16th century it became a dependency of the Ospedale di Santa Maria Nuova in Florence, and, following the Florentine pattern, a portico was built in front of the facade. The splendid polychrome majolica frieze was the work of artists from the studio of the della Robbias (in particular Santi Buglioni and Giovanni della Robbia). It depicts the Seven Works of Mercy alternating with the Cardinal and Theological Virtues (from left to right: Clothing the naked; a sphinx; Taking in the stranger; Prudence; Visiting the sick; Faith; Comforting the prisoner; Charity; Burying the dead; Hope; Feeding the hungry; Justice; Giving drink to the thirsty; a sphinx). In medallions below the frieze are scenes from the life of the Virgin.