Entry of Saint Francis with Palms
Español The Entry of Saint Francis with Palms. Esteban Márquez de Velasco (attributed), 1694. Oil on canvas — Museo Regional de Guadalajara, Mexico This large-scale painting depicts a remarkable episode from the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, traditionally dated to 1224, shortly after he received the stigmata on Mount La Verna. Because the wounds caused him considerable pain and made walking difficult, Francis travelled on a small donkey. According to Franciscan accounts, as he passed through the surrounding villages, people came out to welcome him with palm and olive branches, greeting him with joy and reverence. The scene is conceived as a parallel to Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, presenting Francis as a saint whose life had become profoundly conformed to the Passion of Christ. Continue reading after advertisement Get 4 restored images (including the one featuredon this post), now on sale At the center of the composition, Francis rides the donkey with...
