Saint Clare, who was born in Assisi in about 1194, was the founder of the female branch of the Franciscan Order, popularly known as the Poor Clares.
She was influenced by Saint Francis and established a community with her sister and mother by the church of San Damiano in Assisi. From 1215 onwards with Papal authority the nuns were allowed to live wholly on alms. She died in 1253. She is often depicted carrying a monstrance.