Final answer:
The 'Saint Francis Altarpiece' by Bonaventura Berlinghieri is significant for its depiction of Saint Francis of Assisi. It dates to c. 1235 and is a testament to the growing veneration of Saint Francis during that time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The “Saint Francis Altarpiece” by Bonaventura Berlinghieri is significant for its depiction of Saint Francis of Assisi. This early 13th-century artwork, dating approximately to 1235, utilizes tempera on wood and stands at about 5 feet high. It is currently housed in the church of San Francesco in Pescia, Italy. The altarpiece is a prime example of the devotional art of the period and reflects the growing popularity and veneration of Saint Francis shortly after his canonization in 1228.
Throughout art history, Saint Francis of Assisi has been a recurrent subject in religious paintings, as evidenced by other notable works such as Zurbarán's “Saint Francis in Meditation” and Giovanni Bellini's “Saint Francis in the Desert.” These artworks often emphasize the piety and humility of Saint Francis, characteristics that inspired a significant following and led to the establishment of the Franciscan order.