Day 15 - French Pope Elected

The election of a series of French Popes caused a rift between France and Italy who both felt the Pope should be settled with them.  French Pope, Clement V, was elected in 1305 and settled in Avignon.  Subsequent French Popes stayed in Avignon despite announced intentions to return to Rome.

After 40 years of the absence of the Pope in Rome, two Popes were elected in 1378: Clement VII who stayed in Avignon and Urban VI who remained in Rome.  This increased the great rivalry between France and Italy.

The Popes absence in Italy during the years spent in France contributed to a growth in monastic orders who became very active in spreading the word of God in Italy.  The orders such as the Augustinians, Carmelites, Servites, Franciscans, and Dominicans.  The Franciscans and Dominicans with the mendicants or begging friars were the largest and most influential of the monastic orders and they renounced all worldly possessions and dedicated themselves to performing good deeds such as tending to the sick and dying, as well as teaching about God's word. They both worked for the Glory of God, but there did exist a certain rivalry between the two groups and so their churches were built on opposite sides of Florence.  They settled in the Republic of Florence as it was the dominant city-state during the 1400's.  Florence was also the wealthiest and it was their gold florin that was the standard currency accepted and exchanged all over Europe. 

During this time the numerous artistic and monastic churches that the monastic orders commissioned were so great that their legacy has endured. Most significant are Giotti's portrayal of St. Francis for the Franciscans.  The monastic orders also used rich decoration to adorn their manuscripts. In this way, where they denounced personal possession, they filled their spiritual life with much richness.

Scenes from the Life of Saint Francis,
gold leaf and tempera from Franciscan manuscript.

Annuciation, Letter R, from a Gradual, painted
c. 1300 by Dominican Nuns.

Bishop of Assisi Handing a Palm
to Saint Clare, ca. 1360,
tempera and gold on oak panel.
She was received into the Franciscan
Order and later formed the
Order of the Poor Clares.

References:

1. Gardener's Art Through the Ages, A Global History, 13th ed., by Fred S. Kleiner
2. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/mona/hd_mona.htm
3. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1994.516
4. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1982.175
5. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1984.343