Saint Francis of Assisi

The first major exhibition in the UK to explore the life and legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/82–1226), one of history’s most inspirational and revered figures, will open at London’s National Gallery this spring, from 6th May to 30th July 2023. Saint Francis of Assisi brings together paintings from across the National Gallery’s collectionby Sassetta, Botticelli, and Zurbarán -with international loans by Caravaggio, Murillo, and El Greco as well as works by Stanley Spencer, Antony Gormley, Andrea Büttner, Arte Povera artist Giuseppe Penone, and a new commission from Richard Long. The exhibition will display over 40 works of art from European and American public and private collections, spanning more than seven centuries. They will range from medieval painted panels to manuscripts and even a Marvel comic. The exhibition will shed light on how Saint Francis captured the imagination of artists, and how his universal appeal has transcended time, continents, and differing religious traditions. Francis believed that nature itself was the mirror of God, and even preached to the birds and supposedly persuaded a wolf in the Italian town of Gubbio to stop attacking the locals if they agreed to feed the animal. Many of the stories that surround the life of Francis relate that he had a great love for animals and the environment, and these stories provided tremendous sources of artistic inspiration.