Lamentation over St. Francis 1429

Fra Angelico's "Lamentation over St. Francis" (1429) depicts the solemn mourning of Saint Francis, the founder of the Franciscan order. The scene, likely set in the cloisters of a monastery, shows a group of friars gathered around the saint's body, their somber expressions mirroring the gravity of the moment. The composition is balanced, with the figures arranged in a semicircle around the central figure of St. Francis, echoing the unity of the Franciscan order. Above the scene, an angel ascends into heaven, a visual representation of St. Francis's ascension to glory. This work exemplifies Angelico's characteristic use of bright colors and harmonious composition, creating a serene and devotional atmosphere.