Antique French Bronze Saint Francis order of Assisi Medal | 19th Century

Antique French Bronze Saint Francis of Assisi Medal

Many images of Francis of Assisi depict the saint cloaked in a brown sack-cloth frock surrounded by animals—sheep, dogs, cats, bunnies, and even birds circling him. In this medal St. Francis is depicted with a skull. But, in this medal he is also shown with a skull. Francis had failing health and often contemplated death. Sometimes to encourage order his brethren to also contemplate death, he would put a skull on the breakfast table. He did not see death as an enemy of man, but a friend. In “The Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon,” Francis wrote, “Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Death, from whom no-one living can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin!” The skull emphasized the ephemeral nature of life and that a life devoted to God would have victory over death.

This antique medal features on the front an image of Saint Francis of Assisi praying before a crucifix. On the verso is a full height depiction of the Virgin Mary as the Immaculate Conception. The medal is crafted in bronze and measures about 1 1/4" wide x 1 3/4" tall with the suspension loop.

***Note that the medal may appear larger in the photos than its actual size. Please pay attention to the medal measurements as stated in the description before purchasing this item.

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