Tommaso da Modena and the World’s First Eyeglasses: A Hidden Treasure in Treviso
If you’ve ever worn glasses, you might be surprised to learn that their story begins not in Paris, Milan, or New York—but in a quiet Dominican church in Treviso, Italy.
This charming canal city just north of Venice is home to the world’s first known visual representation of prescription eyeglasses, painted by the 14th-century artist Tommaso da Modena. Tucked inside the Church of San Nicolò, this overlooked masterpiece is a must-see for anyone who loves art, history, or the fascinating details that make travel unforgettable.
Who Was Tommaso da Modena?
Tommaso da Modena (c. 1326 – c. 1379) was a gifted painter and illuminator born in Modena, but it was in Treviso that he left his most iconic legacy.
In the mid-14th century, Tommaso was commissioned to paint a fresco cycle in the Chapter House of the Dominican Convent of San Nicolò, a stunning Gothic church that still stands today. The series, completed in 1352, features 40 Dominican scholars, monks, and theologians seated at desks, deeply absorbed in reading and writing.
These are no ordinary saints or angels. These are real people—intellectuals with wrinkles, pens, and books. And one of them is wearing something the world had never seen in a painting before: eyeglasses.
The First Eyeglasses in Art History
Among the scholars in the fresco cycle is a monk named Hugh of Saint-Cher (Ugo di San Caro), a 13th-century French cardinal known for his theological scholarship.
In Tommaso’s depiction, Hugh is shown sitting at a desk, head slightly bowed, squinting at a manuscript. Perched on his nose is a pair of round, riveted eyeglasses—what today we would call early prescription lenses, likely made of rock crystal or glass.
This moment is historic. It’s the first known image of someone actually wearing glasses to read. Not just holding them. Not next to them. But on their face—doing what millions of people do every day in the 21st century.
In another fresco nearby, Nicholas of Rouen is shown using a magnifying lens to study a manuscript, making this chapel one of the earliest visual records of optical aids in human history.
Why This Matters
This might seem like a small detail. But in truth, it’s a turning point in visual culture and the history of science.
Eyeglasses revolutionized the way humans engaged with the world—allowing aging scholars to continue writing, artisans to keep crafting, and readers to see more clearly. Without glasses, the Renaissance as we know it may not have flourished.
Treviso’s fresco is not just an artistic marvel—it’s a symbol of human innovation, quietly resting in the corner of a city that most tourists skip.
The Church of San Nicolò: A Hidden Gem
You’ll find this fresco cycle in the Sala del Capitolo (Chapter House) of San Nicolò, a stunning 13th-century Gothic church built by the Dominicans.
The church itself is a work of art, with:
High ribbed vaults and delicate stone arches
A magnificent wooden ceiling
Frescoes by Lorenzo Lotto and other Renaissance masters
A peaceful atmosphere that invites quiet reflection
But most visitors miss the Chapter House entirely. It’s tucked to the side, and unless you know what you’re looking for, you might walk right past it.
That’s why we recommend a guided visit with Tour Leader Trevico—we’ll take you straight to the fresco, explain the context, and share the incredible story of how Treviso helped change the world of vision.
The Glasses Revolution: Treviso’s Forgotten Role
Eyeglasses were likely invented in northern Italy in the late 13th century, possibly in Pisa or Venice. But it was here in Treviso that they were first captured in art—proving they were already in common use among scholars.
The painting by Tommaso da Modena helps historians date the spread of glasses and offers concrete evidence that by 1352, optical lenses were not just novelties—they were tools of knowledge.
And isn’t it poetic that Treviso, today so closely associated with the clarity of Prosecco, also gave us a moment that reshaped how humanity sees?
Who Was Hugh of Saint-Cher?
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the man in the painting.
Hugh of Saint-Cher (c. 1200 – 1263) was a Dominican cardinal and Bible scholar who led one of the earliest efforts to compile a complete concordance of the scriptures. He worked tirelessly into his later years—a likely reason he needed visual assistance to continue his studies.
Tommaso’s decision to show him wearing eyeglasses is no accident. It was a sign of wisdom, modernity, and intellectual seriousness. It said: “This man still reads. This man still contributes.”
Today, nearly 700 years later, we can still stand in front of his image—and maybe see ourselves in it, too.
Visiting Treviso to See the Fresco
How to Visit the Fresco of the First Eyeglasses
📍 Location: Church of San Nicolò, Via San Nicolò, Treviso
🕒 Hours: Open daily; the Chapter House may require advance booking or access with a local guide
🎟️ Admission: Free entrance to the church; guided tours available
💡 Tip: Visit in the morning for the best light and smallest crowds
We at Tour Leader Trevico offer custom walking tours of Treviso’s historical center that include a visit to the Church of San Nicolò, the Chapter House frescoes, and other artistic and architectural gems.
Why This Experience Is Perfect for Culture Lovers
This isn’t your typical “photo spot.” It’s a quiet room. A fresco on a wall. A moment suspended in time.
But if you love:
Art history
Science and innovation
Religious iconography
Hidden gems that tourists overlook
Then this experience is unmissable. It’s small, yes. But it’s unforgettable. And it makes Treviso one of the most important stops on the map of global cultural history.
Pair It With a Prosecco Tasting or Artisan Visit
Want to make a day of it? Pair your visit to Tommaso da Modena’s fresco with:
🍷 A Prosecco DOCG tasting in nearby Valdobbiadene
🖌️ A stop at a local eyewear artisan who crafts frames by hand
🧀 A tasting of local Trevigiani specialties like radicchio or Montasio cheese
🚲 A guided bike tour through the medieval walls and canals of Treviso
We’ll build a custom itinerary that combines history, food, wine, and unforgettable stories.
Final Thoughts: Big Vision from a Small City
You won’t find crowds lining up to see this fresco. There’s no flashy audio guide, no postcard rack. But when you stand in that quiet Chapter House and look at Hugh of Saint-Cher with his round little lenses, you’ll feel something rare: the thrill of discovery.
Treviso may not be on every tourist’s bucket list—but that’s exactly why it should be on yours.
And with Tour Leader Trevico, we’ll help you see it more clearly—just like those first glasses did almost 700 years ago.
📍 Plan Your Visit with Tour Leader Trevico
Let us take you straight to Treviso’s most fascinating story—then show you everything else this incredible city has to offer.
👉 Book your guided tour
📩 Email us for custom itineraries: info@tourleadertrevico.com
📷 Follow us on Instagram: @tourleadertrevico
