This piece was likely originally displayed at a Franciscan convent. There is a legend that St. Clare wished to have a meal with Francis, but he always said it was not to be, until his companions mentioned that his strictness was not demonstrative of hospitality. They arranged a simple meal on the grounds of St. Mary of the Angels where Clare had taken her vows. When they sat to eat, Francis and Clare started discussing the glory of the Lord and the group was overcome with divine grace and the glory of God.

Local men noticed that the grounds and surrounding forest appeared on fire and hurried to the scene only to find St. Francis and St. Clare with their companions at the table deep in contemplation with God. The fire was a heavenly one to indicate the fire of divine love burning in the group of holy people. The monstrous sun in the sky portrays this holy metaphor. St. Francis’ hands are raised and turned out, both signifying that he is speaking and to show the stigmata marks. Clare listens with rapt attention with her arms crossed in a posture of reverence, while her sisters’ hands and those of Francis’ companion are folded in prayer. They are painted with are barefoot, as was common with the Franciscans’ vows of extreme poverty.