Saint Bonaventure Arriving and Preaching in Lyon

French 15th Century

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a religious scene with multiple figures and iconography. The image is divided into sections, with the upper part featuring a circular mandorla containing central figures surrounded by an aureole of red and blue flames or rays. The figures within the mandorla are seated in a throne-like setting with adjoining banners, accompanied by celestial beings on either side and symbolic animals at the corners, including a winged lion. The central section of the drawing includes a prominent emblem with the letters "IHS" surrounded by angelic figures and decorative scrollwork. Below, the scene depicts an outdoor setting amidst architecture resembling a historic cityscape, with spired buildings and hilly landscapes in the background. A variety of figures, some seated and some standing, are depicted, potentially partaking in learning or devotional activities, possibly guided by a figure representing a scholarly or monastic presence. The elements throughout are intricately detailed, connected by ornamental borders in a palette of predominantly red and muted blue tones.