Small Flowers of Saint Francis (1928)

"Small Flowers of Saint Francis" is a compelling work by Emile Bernard, created in 1928. This piece beautifully captures a narrative infused with spiritual symbolism, an homage to Saint Francis of Assisi. The central panel of the painting presents a vivid scene where Saint Francis, with arms outstretched, appears to be communicating with or exalting a small angel or cherub above him, framed by ethereal clouds.The border surrounding this central depiction is richly adorned with floral and faunal motifs. In the upper part, faces embedded among intertwining leaves gaze out, adding an enigmatic quality to the piece. Flanking the sides are stalks bearing large flowers, some blooming and others still budding, indicative of life's continuous cycle and growth. Notably, a devilish figure, found on the left side, seems to interact with Saint Francis, possibly depicting the saint's triumph over temptation or evil.The whole composition, contained within ornate floral arrangements, signals the interplay of divinity and nature, a theme central to Saint Francis' teachings and life. This artwork not only reflects Bernard's skill in capturing religious themes through symbolic artistry but also serves as a visual meditation on the virtues of simplicity and piety championed by Saint Francis.