Saint Francis of Assisi Exhibition Catalogue

Special Gallery price £20.00 - RRP: £25.00

Accompanies the exhibition at the National Gallery, London, 6 May–30 July 2023

Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/2–1226) has been a continuous source of artistic fascination since the first painted panels depicting his likeness. His commitment to the poor, calls for peace, love of nature and openness to dialogue with other religions radically impacted the Church and society of his time, and still powerfully resonate today. 

Exploring the life, imagery and lasting allure of Saint Francis, this richly illustrated book features a core of important historic paintings by Giotto, Caravaggio, Zurbarán and El Greco. Spanning seven centuries, from the earliest, relic-like objects to contemporary art in a variety of media, including works by Antony Gormley, Giuseppe Penone and a new commission from Richard Long, Saint Francis of Assisi reflects on the lasting legacy of an extraordinary historical figure who to this day retains a universal appeal.

Author

Gabriele Finaldi is the Director of the National Gallery, London.

Joost Joustra is the Ahmanson Research Associate Curator in Art and Religion at the National Gallery, London.

André Vauchez is a medieval historian specialising in the history of Christian spirituality, and the leading authority on Saint Francis.

With contributions by Susanna Avery-Quash, Ayla Lepine, Laura Llewellyn, Daniel Sobrino Ralston and Jennifer Sliwka.