Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index

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Click to view high resolution image Title: Death of St. Clare Creator: Master of Heiligenkreuz Description: St. Clare was a wealthy woman of Assisi who abandoned her possessions to live the ascetic life preached by St. Francis of Assisi. She founded the female order of the Poor Clares, which was recognized by the Pope in 1253. This image depicts a vision experienced by Benvenuta of Diambra, a follower of St. Clare, as she stood vigil around Clare's deathbed. The Virgin cradles Clare's head as angels cense her body. Clare's sister Agnes (identified by the small lamb at her feet) kneels by the bed. St. Dorothy (in blue sleeves and holding a wreath of roses), St. Barbara (who holds a small tower) and St. Margaret (who holds a tiny dragon) also appear. A number of the Poor Clares hold books, at least one of which is a Book of Hours. Above, Christ appears in a starburst, holding Clare's child-like soul and surrounded by the heavenly host. Source: Wikimedia Commons Rights: Public domain Subject (See Also): Angels Barbara, Martyr, Saint Books Clare of Assisi, Saint Death Dorothy, Martyr, Saint Hagiography Margaret of Antioch, Martyr and Saint Poor Clares Order Visions Geographic Area: Germany Century: 15 Date: 1410 Related Work: Current Location: Washington, D.C., The National Gallery of Art, Samuel H. Kress Collection, 1952.5.83 Original Location: Artistic Type (Category): Digital images; Paintings Artistic Type (Material/Technique): Panel; Oil; Gold Donor: Height/Width/Length(cm): 53.5 cm/66.4 cm/ Inscription: On left page of book held by nun at lower right: D[om]i[n]e labia [The beginning of "Lord, you will open my lips: and my mouth will announce your praises", the opening verse and response for the Hour of Matins in the divine liturgy.] Related Resources:

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