Saint Francis of Assisi celebrated through art and literature

The 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi is being marked by various artistic and literary reinterpretations of his ‘Cantico delle Creature’ (Canticle of the Creatures).

In the realm of visual arts, Joan Miró’s 1975 work, ‘Càntic del Sol’, remains a significant modern interpretation. This artist's book uses thirty-three etchings and aquatints with a limited palette of red, yellow, green, and blue to create a symbolic, abstract dialogue with the saint’s praise of nature.

In literature, American author Katherine Paterson has released a new version of the Canticle designed for younger readers. Accompanied by paper-cut illustrations by Pamela Dalton, the book aims to introduce children to the saint’s connection to the natural world. This publication coincides with the recognition of October 4th as a national feast day.