“Saint Francis before the Sultan” is one of Giotto’s celebrated frescoes in the Upper Basilica of Assisi, part of the cycle devoted to the life of the saint. The artwork depicts the meeting between Saint Francis of Assisi and the Sultan of Egypt, al-Malik al-Kamil, during the Fifth Crusade, an episode symbolising dialogue between different faiths and cultures. Giotto portrays the moment with great balance and humanity: the saint, humble yet steadfast in his faith, appears before the Muslim ruler with a peaceful gesture, while those present look on in amazement.
The scene is constructed with perspectival rigour and narrative clarity, innovative elements for the time, which help to make the characters’ emotions real. The light, the warm colours and the harmonious composition reflect Franciscan spirituality, founded on brotherhood and universal peace. With this fresco, Giotto expresses a message of tolerance and dialogue that remains strikingly relevant today.
Unique quality material
Print on handmade Amalfi paper Sheet size: 30 x 30 cm (11.8 x 11.8 in) With frame: 32 x 32 cm (12.6 x 12.6 in) Material: artwork printed on very fine handmade Amalfi paper with deckled edges Frame: light brown beech wood and wood pulp, handmade
How an Amalfi art print is made, what the frame is like, what museum glass is, how long shipping takes, and how returns work: we’ve gathered all the answers on a single page.
