Madonnari in Assisi for the Franciscan anniversary

From 28 to 30 August, to mark the eighth centenary of the Franciscan Order, the city of Assisi and the Antichissima Fiera delle Grazie di Curtatone are bringing over 50 international Madonnari to Assisi for the first time.
The event ‘Francesco nell’arte dei Madonnari’, organised in collaboration with the Sacro Convento and with the support of local partners, transforms the square into an open-air workshop. The Madonnari – artists who, since the 16th century, have been creating sacred images on public pavements using chalk and perspective techniques – will be drawing day and night to complete their works by the morning of 30 August, under the watchful eyes of visitors.

Twelve artists are collaborating on ‘The Vision of St Francis’, conceived by the American master Kurt Wenner, a pioneer of 3D pavement art and the event’s artistic director. The work recounts the Franciscan legacy through figures such as Clare of Assisi, St Charles Acutis and the Popes, as well as the Canticle of the Creatures. To ensure its long-term preservation, the design is not drawn directly onto the ground but onto an eco-friendly linoleum backing.

A further 40 artists are creating individual works, each measuring 5 square metres, also on linoleum and centred on Franciscan themes, drawing inspiration from Italian history and art.