1-153-790 - Art Media/Heritage Images

'St Francis Receiving the Stigmata', late 15th-early 16th century. It is said that St Francis received the stigmata, the marks of Christ's wounds, while in an ecstasy of prayer in 1224. Born Giovanni Bernadone, son of a rich Italian merchant, St Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) was the founder of the Franciscan order and the Poor Clares, a Franciscan order for women, both orders devoted to the poor and the sick. He was canonised in 1228. From a private collection.