In 1212, with the help of St. Francis, St. Clare founded the Order of Poor Ladies, which continued to be closely associated with the work of St. Francis and his order.
In portraits St. Clare is usually shown in the habit of the "Poor Clares," as at left, and carrying a lamp or a stalk of lilies. The lamp refers to her name, the lilies to her virginity. Sometimes she will also have a book.
Though not in the original of the Golden Legend, St. Clare's Life is included in Caxton's translation of that work.
Feast day: August 12
At left, portrait by Lippo Memmi, ca. 1330
Another image:
Painting from 1360Hagiography:
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