Freedom and renewal: Historical imaginings of Francis of Assisi at the National Gallery in London (2023) and in Liliana Cavani's film (1966).

This article focuses on the 800th anniversary celebrations of key events in the life of Francis of Assisi (1181/2–1226), highlighting the 2023 National Gallery exhibition in London and Liliana Cavani's 1966 film *Francis of Assisi*. The National Gallery's exhibition showcased over 40 artworks spanning nearly eight centuries, tracing Francis's historical and mystical legacy through diverse artistic representations, from medieval to contemporary times. Cavani's film, commissioned by Italian broadcaster RAI, presents a radical reinterpretation of Francis as a complex, rebellious figure emphasizing his spiritual innovation and social protest, diverging from traditional hagiographic portrayals. Both the exhibition and the film contribute to reimagining Francis as a transformative figure whose message of poverty, peace, and renewal remains relevant today.