“St. Francis Renounces all Worldly Goods” is a fresco painted by Giotto between 1297 and 1299. This religious painting, part of the Proto Renaissance art movement, measures 270 x 230 cm and is one of the series “Legend of St Francis.” The artwork is located in the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Assisi, Italy.
The fresco depicts the pivotal moment when St. Francis of Assisi renounces his worldly possessions, demonstrating his commitment to a life of poverty and spiritual devotion. In the artwork, the figure of St. Francis stands partially nude, having stripped off his garments, facing a bishop who covers him with a cloak. Surrounding them are various figures, both clerical and secular, including a group of observers with varied expressions suggesting a mix of astonishment, curiosity, and empathy. The background features architectural structures that frame the scene, enhancing the focus on St. Francis’s transformative act. The fresco is rendered with Giotto’s characteristic attention to detail and human emotion, capturing a moment of profound spiritual significance.
