St. Francis of Assisi
Author: Unknown
Origin: Spain
Dating: 17th century
Material: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions (cm): 72,5 x 87
Inv. no.: MNAA1912 / PD0565dep
This painting represents St. Francis who was born in the city of Assisi in Italy in 1181 or 1182. In his twenties, he felt that he should devote himself to the service of the sick and the poor and vowed poverty. The Franciscan movement was then created, giving rise to this religious order.
D. Constança de Noronha (1404-1480), the second wife if Afonso, the 1st Duke of Bragança, always devoted herself to humanitarian and religious causes. After the death of Afonso, in 1461, she took the habit of St. Francis, giving support to the poor and the sick. For her express wish, she was buried in the Church of S. Francisco (St. Francis) in Guimarães where the following epitaph may be read in her tomb: “Alphonsi Ducis Hoc Conjux Constança Noronha Conditur in Tumulo”.
