GOZZOLI, Benozzo
(b. ca. 1420, Firenze, d. 1497, Pistoia)

Scenes from the Life of St Francis (Scene 12, south wall)

1452
Fresco, 270 x 220 cm
Apsidal chapel, San Francesco, Montefalco

The theme of the last fresco is the Death and Ascension of St Francis. He lies on a bier in the foreground as his wounds are tested and witnessed. Behind, the faithful are celebrating the funeral mass. Above the church, in the background, two angels are carrying the soul of St Francis up to heaven in a glory, as confirmed by the inscription: QUANDO BEATUS FRANCISCUS MIGRAVIT EX HAC VITA AD DOMINUM - "How St Francis went from this life to the Lord."

The analogy between St Francis and Christ in the first scene of the cycle is changed in this concluding picture to become a relationship between the saint and Christ.