Saint Francis of Assisi, Berto di Giovanni

Saint francis (ca. 1182-1226) was the patron saint and founder of the franciscan order. Late in life he had a vision, which left him with wounds in hands and feet like those of the crucified christ. Here, he is depicted holding a book and a cross-staff and wearing the brown habit of the franciscan order. The saint promoted an austere and pious way of life, and his bare feet testify to his ideal of poverty. The letters "c g" and the coat of arms refer to the unidentified patron of the altarpiece. A follower of perugino, berto worked in the sweet and simple style of that artist. Date: between circa 1500 and circa 1510 (Early Renaissance). Place of creation: Perugino, Italy. Dimensions: Painted surface height: 68.5 cm (26.9 in); width: 42.8 cm (16.8 in); Panel height: 77 cm (30.3 in); width: 51.5 cm (20.2 in); depth: 2.5 cm (0.9 in). Medium: tempera and gilt on wood, wood panel. Collection: Walters Art Museum. Berto di Giovanni di Marco - Saint Francis of Assisi - Walters 37640