Ugolino de Nerio (worked from 1317, died 1339 or 1349)

Saint Francis of Assisi

Siena, probably the 1320s

Tempera on wood

88.2 x 32.2 cm

Saint Francis (1182 – 1226) wears the brown habit of the religious order he founded in the early 13th century. The triple-knotted girdle hanging from his waist symbolises the poverty, obedience and chastity demanded of his followers. 

The saint displays his stigmata, the name for the marks of the wounds that correspond to those Christ suffered on the cross.  They miraculously appeared on Francis’s palms, feet and chest. The main panel, and the angel above, once formed part of a larger altarpiece that was later broken up. The elaborate gold frame was probably made for it in the 19th century.

Purchased 1943 (No.43.6)