Artwork

Copy after the painting The Body of St Francis Met by Santa Chiara by the Master of the St Francis Cycle in the Upper Church, San Francesco Assisi

Copy after the painting The Body of St Francis Met by Santa Chiara by the Master of the St Francis Cycle in the Upper Church, San Francesco Assisi is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1862 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

A watercolour painting from 1862, this work is a copy of *The Body of St Francis Met by Santa Chiara*, an original by the Master of the St Francis Cycle in Assisi's Upper Church of San Francesco.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts a solemn gathering around a decorated bed, where two haloed figures (indicating sanctity) lie, surrounded by robed and hatted onlookers. The setting includes a detailed church backdrop with a bare tree and blue sky, evoking a funeral or mourning scene, likely the meeting of St. Francis's body with Santa Chiara.

Technique & Style

Characterized by soft color palette and gentle shading, the painting conveys a calm and serious atmosphere. The use of chiaroscuro (strong contrasts between light and dark) enhances depth, though the overall approach is subdued.

History & Provenance

Commissioned by the Arundel Society in 1862, the copy was never published. Its current location and subsequent history are not detailed in available information.

Context

Created in the 19th century, this copy reflects the period's interest in medieval and religious art. The original, part of the St Francis Cycle, is significant in the Upper Church of San Francesco, Assisi, a major pilgrimage site.

Legacy

As an unpublished copy, its direct impact on art historical discourse or popular culture is not recorded; it primarily serves as a reproduction of the original masterpiece for potentially educational or archival purposes at the time of its creation.