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Sandro Botticelli, 'Saint Francis of Assisi with Angels', about 1475-80

About the work

Overview

Saint Francis stands on a marble ledge against a golden background. He embraces a Crucifix and gazes compassionately at the tiny figure of the crucified Christ. If you look closely you can see bright red blood on Christ’s feet and his white loin cloth, where it has dripped from the wound in his side.

The saint is flanked by angels playing musical instruments, their feet supported by small clouds. His meditation on Christ’s suffering was so intense that, during a vision of Christ on the Cross, Saint Francis miraculously developed the wounds of the Crucifixion. We can see them here on his hands and feet.

The picture was once thought to be by the Florentine artist Filippino Lippi, but cleaning and restoration in 2002 revealed that it is probably an early work by his teacher, Botticelli.

Key facts

Details

Full title
Saint Francis of Assisi with Angels
Artist dates
about 1445 - 1510
Date made
about 1475-80
Medium and support
egg tempera with some oil on wood
Dimensions
49.5 × 31.8 cm
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1858
Inventory number
NG598
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection
Frame
16th-century Italian Frame

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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