Death of St Clare by Master of Heiligenkreuz 1410

Español

Death of Saint Clare (Vision of Saint Benvenuta), Master of Heiligenkreuz, c. 1410

This panel painting, attributed to the Master of Heiligenkreuz, reflects the refined and cosmopolitan character of the International Style that flourished around 1400. The artist, likely active in Lower Austria, worked in a visual language that combined local Austrian traits with stylistic influences from the courts of Paris and Prague. His figures are marked by elongated proportions, rounded foreheads, and drapery that clings to the body in soft, rhythmic folds. The surface of the panel itself is carefully worked with varied techniques, producing a richly ornamental and luminous object intended to delight the eye and elevate the devotion of the viewer.

The scene represents the vision described by Sister Benvenuta of Diambra at the death of Saint Clare of Assisi, the noblewoman who renounced her wealth to follow the ideals of poverty and service taught by Saint Francis. Clare, who founded the Poor Clares, is shown here resting on her deathbed, her eyes gently closing at the moment of her passing. The Virgin Mary appears beside her, supporting her with tenderness, while a procession of virgin martyrs, richly robed and crowned, follows behind. Each figure carries a small attribute that identifies her, linking the earthly event to the eternal communion of the saints.

Surrounding Clare are her sisters in community, some of noble birth, others humble in origin. Known and unknown nuns kneel in prayer, touch her hand, and help her lift herself to receive the final gestures of farewell and blessing from those gathered. Friends, benefactors, and members of her spiritual family gather quietly, their expressions solemn and reverent. Meanwhile, angels descend from heaven to offer incense, as is customary in solemn liturgical rites, signaling that Clare’s death is not an ending but a sacred passage embraced by divine presence. The painting presents a moment suspended between earth and heaven, shaped by devotion, community, and the promise of eternal life.

Get this image now on sale

This image is a public domain image, which means either that copyright has expired in the image or the copyright holder has waived their copyright. Franciscan Gallery charges for the access to high resolution copy of the image. Manually restoration was necessary in order to improve quality, without covering the original image.