
Open Access
This paper sheds light on the artistic heritage of today’s Basilicata region by analyzing different forms of representation of patrons in medieval artworks. It focuses on portraits, heraldic symbols and allegorical figures, inscriptions and epigraphs in order to probe the identity of those who commissioned artworks in Basilicata during the Middle Ages, their motives for doing so, the way they wanted to be remembered, and the role they played in their production. In this way, this paper aims to contribute to a more in-depth understanding of medieval patronage in a cultural context largely sidelined by artistic historiography.