St Francis of Assisi 1365

Editor: Here we have Giovanni da Milano's "St. Francis of Assisi," painted in tempera around 1365. It has a quiet, contemplative mood for me. I'm especially intrigued by the wounds, visible in his hands and feet, that seem so deliberately rendered. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It’s more than just contemplation, isn’t it? Look closer. Consider the deliberate depiction of the stigmata and the Franciscan order's role within a shifting religious and socioeconomic landscape of 14th-century Italy. This image emerges from a very particular social context. Editor: Could you elaborate a bit more about this context? What were the key elements in the fourteenth century for an order such as the Franciscans? Curator: The Franciscan order was a powerful advocate for the poor, often challenging the opulence of the established Church. Consider this image within debates around poverty, charity, and the accessibility of faith. How does this representation challenge or reinforce prevailing power structures? Think about the choice to depict Francis so plainly, almost vulnerable, against the gilded backdrop. Editor: It does feel like there is a tension between the gold background suggesting divinity and Francis' humble depiction. Curator: Exactly! The deliberate contrast isn’t accidental. What statement do you think the artist makes through this juxtaposition of wealth and piety, of power and submission? It’s interesting to explore such historical layers on the topic of race and marginalisation. Editor: I now see how this image functions not only as a religious icon but also as a statement about social values, power and resistance at the time. Thank you for drawing that out! Curator: My pleasure. Art is not made in a vacuum. It actively reflects and shapes social dialogues, prompting questions, challenging beliefs and suggesting alternate ones.