The cordons of St Francis , 1586

About the Work

The unusual motif of this scene bears a relation to the Roman Catholic Confraternity of the Cordons of Saint Francis. This lay brotherhood was confirmed in 1585 by Pope Sixtus V, who granted its members universal indulgence. Following the example of Francis of Assisi, the brothers wore a narrow belt as a sign of their penitence. The drawing depicts the Virgin Mary presenting the cordons to St Francis, who will pass them on to others.