The first major art exhibition in the UK to explore the life and legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi (1182–1226), one of history’s most inspirational and revered figures, will be staged at the National Gallery next spring.
The exhibition presents the art and imagery of Saint Francis from the 13th century to today and examines how his spiritual radicalism, his commitment to the poor, his love of God and nature, as well as his striving for peace between enemies and openness to dialogue with other religions, make him a figure of enormous relevance to our times...
The selected artworks, ranging from medieval painted panels (several predating the earliest paintings in the National Gallery), relics and manuscripts to films and even a Marvel comic book, will throw light on how Saint Francis has captured the imagination of artists, and how his appeal has transcended time, continents and differing religious traditions. (Source: National Gallery)
The National Gallery is located in London's Trafalgar Square. Driving to central London from Peterborough takes around 2 hours (85 miles). In early June we went to London to pick up our eldest son from university as his sophomore year has just ended. He goes to a university near South Bank and from where we parked it was a 20-minute walk (1 mile) to The National Gallery.
After a sumptuous Korean lunch we decided to visit the National Gallery before heading back home. The National Gallery houses one of the world's greatest collections of paintings numbering in the thousands. It can be overwhelming to see the painting collection that include notable works from very famous masters like Van Gogh's
Sunflowers. And because these paintings belong to the public, admission to watch them is free. After an amazing time in the upper floor we headed down to the ground floor to see the St Francis of Assisi exhibition to end our visit.
Picture Gallery
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| Francisco de Zurbaran, St Francis in Meditation, 1635-9 |
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| Frans Pourbus the Younger, Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata, 1620 |
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| Medieval painted panel |
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| Andrea Büttner, Vogelpredigt (Sermon to the Birds), 2010 |
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| Stanley Spencer, Saint Francis and the Birds, 1935 |
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| Antony Gormley, Untitled (for Francis), 1985 |
