WHAT? Saint Francis of Assisi

WHERE? The National Gallery, Ground Floor Galleries, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN

WHEN? Now until 30th July.  Free to view 

WHY GO?  To be uplifted.  Meet everyone’s favourite mystical saint in this feel-good exhibition. To see an actual swatch of cloth that Saint Francis was said to have worn is quite humbling, on loan from the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, it adds gravitas to a heavenly exhibition that will be loved by all and sundry.

Then there’s an ivory horn given to him by the Sultan of Egypt, during his epic crusade to spread the gospel in 1219.

Saint Francis and his love of animals has endeared him to all, even non believers, and for his selflessness by relinquishing a life of riches to champion the poor.

Explore his legacy through artefacts and paintings by many of the famous artists who were captivated by his life. Caravaggio and Stanley Spencer artworks sit alongside Antony Gormley’s striking statue of Saint Francis which is centre stage.

Never has a saint been more culturally venerated or depicted on screen, as illustrated with film clips by Zeffirelli and Fellini.  Almost every creative, past and present, has portrayed Saint Francis and fittingly this exhibition is free for everyone to enjoy. 

IN THE KNOW  Check online for accompanying events, from lectures and talks to creative drawing sessions. There’s even a half term event, Drawing with Wolves, relating the legendary tale of how St Francis of Assisi tamed a wolf that was terrorising the Italian city of Gubbio.