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Francesco da Rimini, 'The Vision of the Blessed Clare of Rimini', probably about 1333-40

About the work

Overview

This painting shows Clare, a holy woman who lived in Rimini from the late thirteenth to early fourteenth centuries. According to her biography she had a vision of Christ enthroned and surrounded by the apostles and John the Baptist. Christ – the largest figure in this scene – showed her the wound on his side where he was pierced by a spear at his crucifixion. Saint John the Evangelist – shown here in pink robes – gave her a book inscribed with Christ’s words recorded in the Gospel of John: ‘My peace I give you my peace I leave you’ (John 14: 27).

An almost identical picture (now in the Musée Fesch, Ajaccio, Corsica) is part of an altarpiece that includes two other panels. It was made for the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Rimini where Clare founded a convent. Our picture was probably also part of an altarpiece and made for the same church.

Key facts

Details

Full title
The Vision of the Blessed Clare of Rimini
Artist dates
documented 1333; died 1348
Date made
probably about 1333-40
Medium and support
egg tempera, originally on wood, transferred to wood
Dimensions
55 × 60 cm
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1985
Inventory number
NG6503
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection
Frame
20th-century Replica Frame

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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