Description
Simone Martini painted a frieze of saints in the right transept of the Lower Basilica of Saint Francis at Assisi. This photograph shows four of its figures: Saint Louis of Toulouse, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary and two others whose identities have been debated. The paintings form part of a devotional programme linked to the Franciscan Order and to the ruling families of Naples and Hungary.
The saints are distinguished by elegant outlines, haloes and colours now softened by age. The photographed section belongs to a larger mural ensemble and does not reproduce the whole decoration.
The closeness of the saints suggests a community even though none needs to engage in a conversation. Each figure retains distinguishing clothing, a particular bearing and its own visual identity, yet all inhabit one continuous painted field.






