BONDONE GIOTTO DI – St. Francis receiving the stigmata, with three scenes from his life: Vision of Pope Innocent III, Pope receiving the charter of the Order of St. Francis, St. Francis preaching to the birds, c.1295-1300 (?) Louvre (Paris)

The composition presents a central narrative event framed by smaller scenes arranged below. Here we observe a figure kneeling in profound supplication, his posture conveying intense spiritual anguish and acceptance. Above him, a winged being descends, its form radiating light and extending what appear to be wounds – marks mirroring those appearing on the supplicant’s hands and feet. The landscape setting is simplified, with stylized trees and architectural elements that suggest a secluded, almost otherworldly location.
The lower register of the work contains three distinct episodes. In the upper left, a seated figure appears in a vision, suggesting divine communication or prophecy. To its right, another figure presides over what seems to be an official ceremony – the granting of authority or recognition. The final scene depicts a man addressing a multitude of birds, conveying a message of peace and harmony with nature.
The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – browns, greens, and ochres – which contribute to the overall sense of solemnity and austerity. Gold accents highlight key elements, such as the halo surrounding the kneeling figure and details within the smaller scenes, drawing attention to their significance. The artist employed a flattened perspective, characteristic of early devotional art, prioritizing clarity of narrative over realistic spatial representation.
Subtly, the work explores themes of divine grace, suffering, and humility. The wounds inflicted upon the central figure symbolize not only physical pain but also spiritual union with Christ’s sacrifice. The inclusion of the three smaller scenes provides a biographical context, illustrating key moments in the subjects life – his early visions, his formal recognition by religious authority, and his profound connection to the natural world. These episodes collectively underscore the narrative of a man chosen for extraordinary purpose through divine intervention.
The arrangement of these elements suggests a hierarchical structure: the central event of receiving the stigmata is presented as the culmination of a life dedicated to faith and service, while the smaller scenes serve as preparatory steps or illuminating details within that larger narrative arc.