St. Francis preaching to the birds
After Giotto

Egg tempera on gesso
15 x 11 inches

This piece forms part of my preparatory studies for a commission for a church baptistry. The priest requested that I do something on the theme of nature, using bright, vivid colours to contrast with the church. Being a lover of animals and nature myself, the first image that came to mind was this one, St. Francis preaching to the birds.

The original is a fresco located in the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi in Assisi, Italy (original dimensions 270 x 200 cm).

St. Bonaventure, Major Life of St. Francis, Ch. VIII, No.9:

“One time when Francis was walking with another friar in the Venetian marshes, they came upon a huge flock of birds, singing among the reeds. When he saw them, the saint said to this companion, “Our sisters the birds are praising heir creator. We will go in among them and sing God’s praise, chanting the divine office”. They went in among the birds which remained where they were, so that the friars could not hear themselves saying the office, they were making so much noise. Eventually the saint turned to them and said, “My sisters, stop singing until we have given God the praise to which he has a right”. The birds were silent immediately and remained that way until Francis gave them permission to sing again, after they had taken plenty of time to say the office and had finished their praises. Then the birds began again, as usual.”