The Friar with the Crutch: A Pictorial Hint of the Stroke Suffered by Bernardino da Fossa (1420–1503)

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Works of art may serve as a source of evidence of diseases and help to better understand their natural history. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> Bernardino da Fossa was a 15th-century Italian Franciscan friar who wrote sermons and historical works. He described the events of the Observance Reformation movement since its dawn, but the last chapter is unexplainably interrupted. This has been considered suggestive for an acute and disabling illness. A painting dating back 12 years after his death depicts Bernardino holding a crutch with his left arm. This may represent an important clue to establish a gait disturbance, whereas the permanent interruption in drafting his writing may be ascribed to a serious writing impairment. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> The historical detail of the writing suspension and the crutch in this painting represent important hints of the stroke suffered by Bernardino da Fossa.