St. Francis of Assisi:

A Portrait of Peace and Compassion

by Kevin Pawlowski, Paradise Found Studio

St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most beloved saints in Christian history, known for his deep love of nature, animals, and simplicity.

In this portrait, we see him toward the end of his life, a time when his profound spiritual journey had shaped his humble yet powerful presence. Let’s explore the symbolism in the painting and the stories that make St. Francis so revered.

In the painting, St. Francis is depicted wearing his iconic Franciscan robes, symbolic of his rejection of wealth and embrace of poverty. His thin halo, a subtle yet sacred detail, emphasizes his holiness without overstating his grandeur—a fitting representation of Francis' humility.

The expression on his face is peaceful, perhaps reflecting his deep connection to God and his acceptance of suffering. St. Francis received the stigmata—wounds resembling those of Christ on the cross—during a period of intense spiritual contemplation. These wounds, visible in the painting, remind us of his willingness to share in Christ’s suffering.

Behind him is a dilapidated stone wall, covered with moss and vines. This detail calls to mind his mission to "rebuild the Church," which he took quite literally after hearing God’s voice in the ruins of the San Damiano Church. The San Damiano Cross behind him is a nod to the crucifix that spoke to him, telling him to restore the physical and spiritual state of the church.

Saint Francis of Assisi oil painting portrait by Kevin Pawlowski

The Animals: Symbols of St. Francis’ Connection to Creation

St. Francis’ deep love for animals is well known, and your painting captures this beautifully with the inclusion of a dog and a bird.

The dog, nestled comfortably in his left arm, reflects his gentleness and his belief that all creatures are deserving of love and care. It could also symbolize the loyalty and companionship that Francis often experienced in his relationships with the natural world.

The bird perched on his shoulder is a direct reference to the famous stories of St. Francis preaching to the birds. Legend has it that one day, while walking with some companions, he paused to speak to a flock of birds, calling them his “sisters” and encouraging them to praise God for their freedom. The birds, rather than flying away, are said to have gathered around and listened attentively. The bird on his shoulder in this painting represents this bond with nature, and his ability to communicate with God’s creatures.

The moss-covered, crumbling wall in the background is not just a scenic element—it tells the story of St. Francis' mission to rebuild both the physical and spiritual church. When he first heard the voice of Christ telling him to “rebuild My Church,” Francis took it literally, beginning to restore the dilapidated chapel of San Damiano, a symbol of the decaying faith of his time. Over the years, he would come to understand this calling as a deeper mission: to reform the entire Church and inspire a return to simple, Christ-like living.

The vines growing over the wall could symbolize the growth of faith that came from his efforts, even in the most broken places. It’s a reminder that renewal often begins in places that seem beyond repair.The moss-covered, crumbling wall in the background is not just a scenic element—it tells the story of St. Francis' mission to rebuild both the physical and spiritual church. When he first heard the voice of Christ telling him to “rebuild My Church,” Francis took it literally, beginning to restore the dilapidated chapel of San Damiano, a symbol of the decaying faith of his time. Over the years, he would come to understand this calling as a deeper mission: to reform the entire Church and inspire a return to simple, Christ-like living.

Underpainting

Background landscape

Addition of hair & robes

Completed painting

Details from my St. Francis of Assisi portrait.

St. Francis’ Miracles and Teachings: Stories of Faith and Compassion

One of the most touching stories about St. Francis is his encounter with the fierce wolf of Gubbio. According to legend, the people of Gubbio were terrorized by a wolf that attacked livestock and people.

St. Francis, moved by the townspeople’s plight, sought out the wolf and spoke to it as if it were a fellow human. Miraculously, the wolf became tame and lived peacefully among the townspeople, a testament to Francis’ ability to inspire harmony between man and beast.

Another well-known miracle is the appearance of the stigmata. In 1224, while Francis was praying on Mount La Verna, he experienced a vision of a seraph, and shortly after, the wounds of Christ appeared on his hands, feet, and side. This event is reflected in your painting, as the marks of the stigmata are subtly shown on his hands. This moment marked Francis’ complete union with the suffering of Christ, deepening his spiritual journey in a profound way.

A Life of Simplicity and Profound Love

St. Francis of Assisi left an indelible mark on the world with his teachings of peace, love for nature, and unwavering faith.

This portrait captures him in his final years, a time when his physical body had weakened, but his spirit remained strong. His peaceful expression, surrounded by the animals he cherished and the signs of his life's work, tells the story of a man who found God in all things.

Your painting, with its balance of detailed realism and abstract brushwork, is a fitting tribute to a saint who embraced both the beauty and the imperfection of life. Through these layers of symbolism, we see St. Francis not just as a religious figure, but as a person who lived with compassion, humility, and a deep connection to all of creation.