The Beginnings. Saint Francis and Santa Clara
by Dimitrie Ross
Oil/canvas, 100x150cm
“The Beginnings”… Surrounded by the darkness of the world, Francesco and Chiara make a choice to unconditionally follow God. The moment at which they are depicted in this painting is not long before the life changing events happen in both of their lives.
For Santa Clara it would be becoming one of the first female followers of Saint Francis, the renunciation of her family’s wealth, cutting her hair and founding the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition.
As for Saint Francis, after this peaceful morning prayer in the woods – with an angel coming to support and encourage – he will have an experience of religious ecstasy and receive the stigmata.