Saint Martin of Tours Elevation of the Host

Saint Martin of Tours Elevation of the Host

Nimbed vested St. Martin of Tours standing on step stool before altar, elevating host; two angels hovering before saint, supporting his arms; acolyte kneeling behind saint, holding up saint's chasuble with left hand, holding tall candle in right hand; altar covered with richly embroidered altar cloth, on it stand candelabra, cross, missal.Van Marle describes the scene which portrays a moment in the legend of St. Martin. The saint gave his tunic to a poor man and was obliged to wear instead a skimpy one which came only to his knees and elbows under his cape to celebrate mass. At the moment of elevation his sleeves slipped back exposing his arms. Two angels descended and covered his arms with precious stones while a fiery globe appeared over his head. The expression of the saint is ecstatic while his acolyte gazes in awe at the supernatural light which streams down from above.

Assisi: Church, S. Francesco; Lower Church, St. Martin's Chapel.

1325 - 1326