Review of the exhibition by Sniez Torbarina, PSAD Friends committee.
Together with two close friends I spend regular afternoons exploring London’s art and architecture. We learn and share professional enlightenments and catch up socially. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the latest visit. Who was this man and why was he beatified. Why so many people devote their lives to his legacy, and live in Franciscan monasteries. I can see one from my holiday home, it is surrounded by simple, practical vegetable gardens. The afternoon was a journey of discovery and nice surprise in every sense including the weather for our al fresco lunch afterwards!
Saint Francis of Assisi (1182–1226) was a radical, a modest yet ambitious person, helping fellow humans in need. His interests were spiritual and religious, free-thinking and progressive ideas of humanity. I was astonished to find how relevant the legacy of his life and his work is today.
Artworks of the protagonists of ‘Arte Povera’ (‘Poor Art’, art movement in 1960s-70s), artist Alberto Burri (Sacco) and sculptor Giuseppe Penone’s (Door Tree) reflect his concern for nature and humbleness.
‘The exhibition shines a light on how Saint Francis has captured the imagination of artists through the centuries, and how his appeal has transcended generations, continents and different religious traditions. It brings together paintings from the National Gallery Collection by Sassetta, Botticelli, and Zurbarán with international loans including works by Caravaggio, Josefa de Óbidos, Stanley Spencer, Antony Gormley, Giuseppe Penone, Andrea Büttner, and an exciting new commission from Richard Long.’ (The National Gallery)
Until 30 July 2023
Tickets: FREE / Please book a free Gallery entry ticket to gain admission to the National Gallery. You are encouraged to book ahead of your visit.
Address: Ground Floor Galleries, The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
Open: Daily 10am–6pm and Friday until 9pm
You can see more details Here. Review by Jonathan Jones in The Guardian Here.
Review and photographs by Sniez TS.
