The Tavola of Saint Clare

A detail from a painting by Giovanni Cimabue, in the lower level of the Basilica at Assisi.

The National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi in San Francisco

The Tavola of Saint Clare

The Tavola of Saint Clare Photograph by Paul Flores. Used with permission. was painted in 1283 by a person we know only as the “St. Clare Master.” The tavola, a painting on wood, in the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi, is a full-length portrait of Clare with eight insets along the sides that depict important events in her life.

The events progress clockwise, from the bottom left. They depict Clare’s life not as it began historically in 1193, but as it began spiritually during March and April of 1212, when she was about 18 years old, with her renunciation of the world for an austere life dedicated to the service of our Lord in devout prayer and contemplation.

The panels shown here are images of the triptych in the National Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi. Our triptych presents the scenes of the tavola in the form of a central case with two folding doors.

Photograph by Paul Flores. Used with permission.

Clare’s father attempts to force her to abandon her intention of taking her vows.

Clare’s sister Agnes, being held back from following Clare.

At the age of 18, Clare takes the veil.

During a shortage of food in 1238, Clare blesses the loaves and they are multiplied for the sisters.

Clare being taken in by the friars at the Porziuncola.

Clare on her deathbed, in 1253.

On Palm Sunday, 1212, Bishop Guido hands an olive branch to Clare.

Clare’s funeral attended by the Pope.

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