Bellezza minore, da frate Francesco a Bonaventura da Bagnoregio

This essay analyzes the idea of beauty as it appears in writings of the Franciscan milieu, from Francis of Assisi to Bonaventure of Bagnoregio. The aim is to verify whether there may be common traits and directions that contribute to the construction of a concept of minor beauty. To this end, bearing in mind the stratification of philosophical, rhetorical and mathematical-musical traditions, particular attention is given to the lexical and conceptual variations of beauty regarding three themes dear to the Friars Minor: stigmata, poverty, and creatures. Thus, the humble aspects of creation, the choice of a life of poverty, and the marks of Christ impressed upon a suffering body animated by intense spiritual love, circumscribe an idea of beauty that is often material, perceived in its harmonious relationships and capable of conveying one to the sublime heavenly regions.