“St. Francis Renouncing his Worldly Goods” is an artwork by the artist Giotto, created circa 1320. The fresco, part of the Proto Renaissance art movement, measures 280 by 450 centimeters and is a religious painting included in the series titled “Scenes from the Life of Saint Francis.” The artwork is located in the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence, Italy.
The artwork depicts a significant moment in the life of St. Francis of Assisi, capturing the pivotal event when he renounces his worldly wealth and goods. The fresco is noted for its detailed portrayal of this dramatic moment, illustrating the emotional tension and spiritual resolve of St. Francis as he stands before an audience that includes both clerical and lay figures. The central figure of St. Francis is shown unclothed, symbolizing his total renunciation of material possessions, while the surrounding figures display a range of reactions, from astonishment to disapproval. The architectural backdrop and the positioning of the figures enhance the narrative quality of the scene, exemplifying Giotto’s skill in pioneering techniques that marked the transition from medieval to Renaissance art.
