Vision of Saint Francis of Assisi in the Portiuncula

Paintings of holy founders of religious orders were numerous in the pictorial production of colonial America. Their presence in the evangelization process was fundamental since the dogma of the Catholic Church was taught to them.

The representations of the life of Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/1182-1226) and his different life scenes are among the most abundant in the iconography of Colonial America.

As a young man, Francis renounced the economic and social privileges to which he was entitled by family inheritance, preferring to lead a life of austerity dedicated to prayer.

Inspired by his determination, many followed his example. Some became his disciples and later joined the Franciscan Order, which was approved by Pope Innocent II in 1209.

The Italian saint embraces the Child with a sweet gesture, covering him with a white sheet. Jesus, look at him. In his hand, the Child holds an orb, an element that symbolizes the power of Christ over humanity.

The Virgin, sitting on a cluster of clouds and in front of a golden light, observes them. She wears a red habit with a blue mantle, colors with which she is usually represented.

On the left side and below the Virgin stands the church of Our Lady of the Angels, also called Portiuncula. It is an important place for the Franciscan tradition.

Being one of the churches that Saint Francis repaired, it was donated by the abbot Saint Benedict of Mount Subasio on the condition that it would be the mother church of the Franciscans. In addition to the above, in that building, the Italian saint had several visions.

With images like these, then, the aim was to disseminate a model of behavior that the Church considered should govern the lives of the subjects of New Granada society.