Christ with Saints Clare John Francis

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Christ on the Cross with the Virgin and Saints Clare, John the Evangelist, and Francis, by Pietro Lorenzetti (1320)

This painting was most likely the central part of a portable tabernacle and dates to the artist’s early career. The angels sweeping in from the heavens bring drama and a sense of urgency to the composition, which is further intensified by the figures of Saints Clare and Francis, who strain their heads back to observe the turbulence above them. Their presence suggests that the work was commissioned by a Franciscan, whose order was particularly drawn to the veneration of the Crucifixion. The figures of the Virgin and Saint John frame the composition and serve as intercessors for the beholder. Pietro had strong connections with the Franciscans, and executed some of his most celebrated frescoes in the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, the order’s mother church.

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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.