This exquisite 19th-century work by Italian artist Carlo Ferrari (1813-1871) depicts the Lower Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Italy. The details are rendered with exceptional precision by an artist with great respect for the architecture before him. It captures the atmosphere of this impressive building while accurately representing its interior.

The church is adorned with numerous frescoes by some of Italy’s finest medieval painters. These include luminaries such as Giotto and Cimabue who Ferrari would’ve studied during his time at the Academy in Verona. He also worked closely with the fresco painter Pietro Nanin while training as a restorer, so would’ve visited many of Italy’s inspirational sights.

The Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi is located in Umbria, the birthplace of Saint Francis. It dates to the 13th-century and remains one of the most important destinations for Christian pilgrimages.

Learn more about Carlo Ferrari in our directory.

Signed, framed and glazed.

Medium: Watercolour and gouache on paper laid on canvas
Overall size: 32½” x 23½” / 82cm x 59cm
Year of creation: c. 1860
Condition: Artwork presents well.
Artist’s auction highlight: £116,775 achieved for an oil painting in 2009.