St. Francis Renounces his Worldly Goods
7:00 AM |
| Giotto, St. Francis Renounces his Wordly Goods, c. 1300 |
Giotto’s paintings mystify the viewer. They dominate a room regardless of their size. On the wall of the Basilica of St. Francis basilica d’ Assisi lies a fresco that doesn't catch the eye at first, but when seen, the viewer sees its true beauty. Giotto paints a series of frescoes addressing St. Francis’s life ranging from his early life to late life. In this particular fresco, Giotto paints St. Francis when he renounces his father prior to traveling the road of sainthood. Legend has it, Pietro, his father, yearned for Giovanni (Future St. Francis) to renounce his beggar-like qualities through beatings and abuse. However, one day he decides to throw the first recorded temper tantrum in history and does it big at that. He throws his clothes and garments down as he dedicates his life to God, renouncing his father in the process.
Initially my eyes are drawn to the center toward St. Francis and his father’s dispute as well as the church, but as I continue looking at the painting, I begin noticing this bright illuminated woman who stands two people to right of St. Francis. Giotto uses bright colors for the priest (covering St. Francis) and a boring yellow for Pietro. There are also two girls being abused by their mothers on either side of the painting.
St. Francis’s ideals have really inspired me life. Prior to this class, I have never even heard the name St. Francis. However, his forgiving nature and his ability to see God in everything has made me appreciate his existence. St. Francis is a role model to all human beings. Thank you St. Francis.
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