Canticle of the Sun
colored pencil and watercolor
2015
In the Thirteenth Century, near the end of his life, St.Francis of Assisi composed "The Canticle of the Sun." This hymn celebrated his belief that all creatures of the natural world are a gift from God and, as a reflection of His love and glory, deserve to be appreciated and valued. The drawings in this series are my personal visual meditation on Francis' words.
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The Canticle of
the Sun
by St. Francis of Assisi
Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.
Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
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Brother Sun
10" x 30"
Sunflowers
Rhode Island Red Chickens
Crimson Sunbirds
Morning Glories
Apollo Butterflies
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| Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful. |
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Sister Moon
16" x 16"
Barn Owls
Luna Moths
Starflowers
Starfish
Moon Flowers
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| Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance. |
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Brother Wind
13" x 20"
Starlings
Hurricane Lilies
Rain Lilies
Snowdrops
Windflowers
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Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.
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Sister Water
16" x 16"
Mute Swans
Diving Beetle
Lotus (purity)
Bullrushes (humility)
Seashell (baptism)
Marsh Wren (humility)
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Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night.
He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.
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Brother Fire
10" x 30"
Greater Birds of Paradise
Flame Bowerbirds
Red Hot Poker Plants
Fires Spinner Ice Plants
Fire Beetles
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Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.
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Mother Earth
16" x 16"
Brown Pelican
Nastertium (protection)
Rosemary (healing)
Basil (healing)
Foxglove (healing)
Sage (healing)
Dogwood (protection)
Fruits (abundance)
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Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve him with great humility.
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Sister Bodily Death
13" x 20"
Mourning Dove
Extinguished Candle
St. Joseph Lily (patron of a good death)
Monarch Butterfly (resurrection)
Tulip Poplar Tree (immortality & salvation)
Milkweed (hope)
Pomegranite (heaven)
Periwinkle (heaven)
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©2015 Mary Lee Eggart
All images and text in this site are protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced in whole or part
without the express written permission of the artist.
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