Saint Francis Altarpiece: The Beauty

Saint Francis Altarpiece: The Beauty

Vicent Van Gogh once said, “If you hear a voice within you ‘You cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” Like most of Gogh’s paintings, Bonaventura Berlinghieri painted what he was passion about. Berlinghieri was “…know for his poignant and detailed scene from the life of the Saint Francis on the predella (based of the altarpiece) of the Church of San Francesco at Pescia” (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica). The Saint Francis Altarpiece is a five feet panel, created in 1235 as a depiction of Saint Francis and the church. The portrait was painted on wood panel and in gothic like form. Nonetheless, this masterpiece is representation of time, the complexity of the painting and the

It have two angels next to him. During that time, Saints were highly recognized and play a significant part in all social group and class. Therefore, this painting shows how important Saint and religion were during that time. This painting also suggests that Saint Francis is big and mighty. In addition, the angels give an image that Saint Francis is protection. The painting appears to have levels of designs on both side of Saint Francis, giving impression of a library. This indicated to me and others that the teaching of religion is central to all group and class. Saint Francis is the main focus and the details shows his work during at time. (Finkelstien)

Furthermore, the colors and details on the Saint Francis Altarpiece is aesthetically pleasing. There was a focus point which is Saint Francis. Although the painting mainly consist of black and tan colors, the slight bright colors to balance of the black. This help bring out the details, such as the blessing on hands and the kneeling of people. Yet, the details were not too big that it would be too much to handle. This helps get the message across to the audience, like myself. (Harris and