Chiesa Di San Francesco 

Luca di Tommé created this panel painting of the Chiesa di San Francesco in the 14th century. At its heart we see the Madonna and Child, a motif echoing ancient archetypes of motherhood and nurturing found across cultures, from Isis and Horus to Demeter and Persephone. Note the presence of saints flanking them. These figures, holding their attributes, stand as intercessors, bridging the earthly and divine. The wheel of Saint Catherine for example, symbolizes not only her martyrdom but also a deeper, cyclical understanding of life, death, and rebirth, resonating with ancient cosmological views of time and destiny. Consider how such symbols have been passed down through history, shifting in meaning yet retaining their emotional power. These images tap into our collective memory, triggering subconscious processes and engaging us on a profound, emotional level. The Madonna's tender gaze evokes feelings of comfort and protection, a powerful force that has resonated with viewers across centuries. This is not a linear progression but rather a cyclical return, where ancient motifs resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, inviting us to contemplate the eternal dance of human experience.