The composition of this scene is very similar to that of the Dream of the Palace
(No. 3). The bedchambers in the two frescoes call to mind the scenes of Isaac,
though the furnishings and architecture appear to be more in keeping with the
style of Giotto's time. The dream is depicted very literally: it is that of
Innocent III. In his dream the Pope saw the Church upheld by the Franciscans.
The painter showed St Francis literally propping up the Church of San Giovanni
in Laterano as it appeared at that date, after Nicholas IV's restoration of
1290. The facial expression of the youthful St Francis as he supports the church
is one of the most intense in the whole cycle.
