The Depiction of Pope Innocent III in the Pictorial Narrative of the Legend of St. Francis

       In the Upper Church of San Francesco in Assisi, Italy, twenty-eight frescos circle the interior of the Church, revealing the life of St. Francis in accordance to St. Bonaventure. The latter describes the life and journey of the Saint through 97 stations, as an example to the faithful. Between the years 1297 and 1300, twenty eight of those stations were chosen and painted in the Church in Assisi. The pictorial narrative of the Legend of St. Francis pays homage to the Saint, while also showing the acclaimed status of the most influential medieval pope, namely Innocent III, who was depicted in two panels (numbers 6 and 7).
     Both frescos (mixing pigment with wet plaster on a wall) measure 270x230 cm and were painted by Florentine artist and sculpture Giotto Di Bondone between the years 1297 and 1299. They represent the story of Innocent III approving the Rule of St. Francis. It all began with a dream when Innocent III saw the Church of St. John Lateran (primary basilica of the Roan Pontiff)  collapsing on itself, only to be straightened back again by St. Francis. This convinced the Pope about St. Francis and the Franciscans community .
        The sixth panel is a depiction of that dream.  We see Pope Innocent III on the right, sleeping in a bed under an elaborate canopy, with servants at his side. To the left is the falling basilica, of which St. Francis is seen holding the weight of it all to keep it from collapsing. The falling of the Roman basilica also symbolizes the falling, yet surviving, Catholic Church, as it was a time when many heretics were attacking the church.

Giotto, Dream of Pope Innocent III

       The seventh panel is the events after the Pope's dream. It depicts the Pope confirming the Rule of the new Franciscan community. We see Innocent III on the right, seated in his papal robes and slightly elevated than everyone else, blessing the kneeling St. Peter and the Franciscans who surround him. The beautiful architecture of the interior represents wealth due to its marble ceiling, gold, and detailed tapestries.

Giotto, Confirmation of the Rule

     Artist and sculptor Giotto painted with amazing detail in his frescos and used architecture to create great perspective.  He brought liveliness to the works and truly respected the portrayals of Pope Innocent III and St. Francis.

Exterior of San Francesco Basilica

Interior of the Upper Church San Francesco Basilica

Sources:

"Legend of St. Francis: Frescoes by Giotto." Web Gallery of Art. http://www.wga.hu/html_m/g/giotto/assisi/upper/legend/

 Brother Juniper. "Rebuild My Church: The Dream of Pope Innocent." Wordpress. https://brotherjuniper.wordpress.com/2008/06/26/rebuild-my-church-the-dream-of-pope-innocent/