The Basilica of St Francis

Jesus the Good Shepherd

The painting, found in the second chapel to the right of the High Altar, concludes the "path" dedicated to the figure of Christ. The painting, in Neo-gothic style, was made by the Sienese artist Arturo Viligiardi (1869-1936) and is divided into compartments like the medieval altarpieces. The main figure of the central part of the painting is the Good Shepherd carrying a lamb on his shoulders and surrounded by his flock. This image refers to the tenth chapter of St. John's Gospel in which Jesus, after explaining a parable to his disciples and to the people who were listening to him, says: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (Jh. 10, 11). The sheep are, therefore, all the men for whom Jesus gave his life and of whom he takes care of, even though sometimes they reject him. Two saints are depicted in the two side sections: St. Gregory VII in Bishop’s robes on the left, and Saint Ansanus, the patron saint of Siena, with the city banner and the palm of martyrdom on the right. The small compartments at the foot of the painting depict some episodes from the life of Jesus.