“Lamentation over St. Francis” is a religious painting created by Fra Angelico circa 1429, during the Early Renaissance period. The artwork measures 29 x 70 cm and depicts a solemn scene of mourning over the death of St. Francis.
The artwork vividly captures the sorrow and reverence of the gathered figures. Central to the composition is the bier of St. Francis, draped with an ornate cloth, and surrounded by a multitude of figures, predominantly monks and clerics, each portraying a variety of emotional reactions—from deep mourning to prayerful contemplation. The scene takes place in what appears to be a cloistered courtyard with simplistic architectural elements and a blue sky overhead, adding serenity to the somber moment. The detailed expressions and gestures of the figures are testament to Fra Angelico’s skill in conveying complex human emotions through his early Renaissance style.
