2014-09-29 16:44:00

Saint Francis preaches to the birds: an artistic masterpiece


(Vatican Radio) Hidden away in the heart of the Jesuit's Mother Church here in Rome, known as the Gesù there's an oil painting depicting Saint Francis simply dressed in a brown habit preaching to the birds.

A painting, our Professor of Fine Arts, Breda Ennis tells us, which goes back to the 1600's and is attributed to a northern European artist. Striking in the picture is the flight of these soldier birds flying towards or pointing their yellow beaks towards Saint Francis as he stands arms outstretched towards them. 

Listen to this programme produced by Veronica Scarisbrick: 

 








All the contents on this site are copyrighted ©.