The altar panel of St. Clare in Assisi
             One painting is often reproduced in practically all guidebooks of any language on Assisi – one that little attention has been paid, and is usually outshadowed by the San Damiano Cross. It is the altar panel on the right transept of the Basilica of St. Clare. It shows St. Clare holding a cross and flanked by 8 small pictures depicting episodes of her life.
             It was painted by an unknown artist in the 13th century, and the artist is simply referred to as "the master of St. Clare". It is the first, and perhaps the only representation of St. Clare and the most important events in her life by an artist who was fascinated by the sanctity of Clare and the profound sentiments of her new life in pursuit of Christ. Anyone who spends time studying and contemplating this picture is bound to be enlightened by the spirituality of St. Clare so vividly retold in pictures. It is a lesson on Franciscan poverty.
             This picture of Clare was painted only some 30 years after her death, when the memory of the saint was still quite alive. It is perhaps the earliest image we have of Clare today. At the bottom of the figure of Clare is a barely visible inscription in Latin dating the painting to 1283 in the pontificate of Pope Martin IV.
             Let us first pay attention to the central figure of St. Clare. It is very large and stands out as a Byzantine style icon, especially in the depiction of Clare's head and the folds of her habit and mantle. This large figure forms a block whose story is told in succession by 8 smaller pictures surrounding her. It is like a pictorial catechesis of Clare's life.
             The central figure of Clare is represented in a full frontal stance typical of Byzantine art. Her face is serene yet serious and austere. It stands out from the rest of the picture because it is highlighted by the golden halo. This symbol of sanctity contrasts with the dark complexion of her face, when...