Preaching to the Birds and Blessing Montefalco (detail) 1452

This detail from Benozzo Gozzoli's fresco cycle, *Preaching to the Birds and Blessing Montefalco*, depicts a group of figures, likely members of the Franciscan Order, in a moment of contemplation and devotion. The scene is set against a backdrop of a gentle landscape, creating a sense of serenity and peace. The figures, rendered in a realistic style, are characterized by their expressive faces and delicate features. The fresco's subtle hues and meticulous detail, typical of Gozzoli's work, illustrate the painter's command of the Early Renaissance style. The inclusion of the inscription "S. Francis" underscores the importance of Saint Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan order, in the cycle's narrative.