Sermon of St. Peter Ponziano Loverini (1845-1929)

The composition presents a scene unfolding on a series of ascending steps leading up to a central figure who appears to be delivering a speech or sermon. The arrangement is framed within a shallow arch, which immediately directs attention towards the narrative taking place.
A man in reddish-brown robes dominates the center of the visual field. He gestures outwards with his right hand, seemingly emphasizing a point while holding an object – perhaps a vessel or offering – in his left. His posture and the direction of his gaze suggest he is addressing a large crowd gathered below and to the sides. The faces within this assembly are rendered with varying degrees of detail; some appear attentive, others seem more detached or even skeptical.
To the left of the central figure, a group sits on low benches or cushions, their expressions conveying a range of emotions from solemnity to weariness. Their clothing is varied and suggests different social standings within the depicted community. A man with a white beard appears particularly aged and contemplative.
On the right side of the composition, another cluster of figures interacts closely. Several individuals embrace or offer comfort to one another, hinting at emotional distress or perhaps relief following the sermon’s message. The clothing here is simpler than that worn by those on the left, possibly indicating a lower social status or different role within the narrative.
At the base of the steps, scattered across the foreground, are several bodies – some fully clothed and others partially exposed – lying in what appears to be a state of exhaustion or even death. This element introduces a stark contrast between the elevated position of the speaker and the suffering of those at his feet. The landscape visible beyond the figures is indistinct, suggesting an expansive but somewhat desolate environment.
The color palette leans towards earthy tones – browns, ochres, and muted reds – which contribute to a sense of solemnity and gravity. Light falls unevenly across the scene, highlighting the central figure and drawing attention to key details while leaving other areas in shadow. The overall effect is one of dramatic tension between spiritual authority and human suffering, suggesting themes of faith, poverty, and social disparity.