The artwork titled “St. Francis,” created by the Early Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca between 1444 and 1464, is an oil, panel, and tempera painting. This religious painting is part of the “Polyptych of the Misericordia” series and measures 55 x 21 cm. It is currently housed in the Museo Civico di Sansepolcro, located in Sansepolcro, Italy.
In the artwork, St. Francis is depicted standing, wearing a simple, brown robe indicative of the Franciscan order. The background appears distressed, with a cracked texture that adds an aura of antiquity to the piece. The saint’s face exhibits a contemplative and serene expression, befitting his spiritual significance. His hands are gently clasped, and he stands barefoot, embodying humility and devotion. The use of color is subtle, with earthy tones predominating, enhancing the solemn and pious aura of the figure. The detailed rendering of the robe’s folds and the saint’s facial features exemplify Piero della Francesca’s mastery in creating depth and realism, characteristic of the Early Renaissance art movement.
