St. Francis/San Francesco

The Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi, Italy, utilizes local Subasio limestone to symbolize the duality of St. Francis and Christ through its architectural design and coloration. The study reveals that the basilica's double construction—mimicking the earthly body of St. Francis and the divine body of Christ—reflects late medieval and early modern religious symbolism, particularly the stark contrast between black and white. This analysis connects the basilica’s materials, plan, and function to contemporary writings about St. Francis’ incorruptible, dazzling white corpse, exploring themes such as Francis/Christ, church/body, and earthly/divine dichotomies.

Howard, R. M. (2025). St. Francis/San Francesco. Early Modern Architecture and Whiteness, 19–36. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032678771-3