by Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira
Francis of Assisi died on October 3, 1226, centuries after Saint Benedict (480-547), of whom he was a great admirer and fervent devotee. One day, he decided to visit the monastery of Subiaco to venerate Saint Benedict.
This fresco, the work of an anonymous 13th-century painter, is the oldest representation of the "Poverello of Assisi" and is in the Chapel of Saint Gregory, in the cave of Subiaco. It was painted during the saint's lifetime, before he received the stigmata.
This portrait of Saint Francis of Assisi is found in one of the caves of Subiaco. It seems marvelous to me! It depicts a man of about 30 years old.
Assisi is in central Italy (Umbria), but in this depiction, he looks more like a Nordic human type; his physiognomy reveals something Germanic, slightly blond, with light eyes, and a slightly pinkish mustache and beard.
In his physiognomy, we notice his firmness and relaxed features, yet without any softness. His gaze is that of a pensive person in contemplation.
A great deal of willpower, that of someone who desires what he is contemplating.
A chaste man par excellence, temperate and vigorous. It is understandable that he enjoyed reading tales of chivalry to his novices.
Before becoming a Franciscan, he considered becoming a knight.
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Translated from French with the help of Google Translate - AI
Excerpts from the lecture given by Professor Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira on July 6, 1985. Text unrevised by the author.
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