Nicholas Lochoff (d. 1947) after

Simone Martine (Sienese, e. 1284-1344)
DREAM OF St. MARTIN

Original (ca 1328) in the Lower Church of  San Francesco, Assisi Fresco

This fresco to one of a series for the chapel of Saint Martin in the church of San Francesco. The lower chapel walls were of white and rose marble, so the colors of the fresco would have complimented there. It may appear to be an unusually busy composition, but the entire church Is densely decorated and Simone has created a painting that Is related to its architectural surroundings. This scene shows the dream that led to Martin's conversion. Martin had divided his cloak, giving half to a beggar at the city gate; later, In the dream, Christ appeared wearing the portion of the cloak Martin had given the and announced that when Martin had  clothed Christ.

Text by Robert Gerwing.
Copyright 2004.