Saint Francis by Orazio Gentileschi
Born in Pisa, and being the son of artisans, Gentileschi lived in Rome, at a time when Vatican ornaments were developed. Caravaggio had a great influence on his style, in this work, in the early 1600s, Saint Francis appears to be fainting, being supported by an angel. Other recognized works were the design of the mosaics in the vault of St. Petter.
In this emotionally charged early Baroque work, Saint Francis is depicted collapsing from the intensity of his mystical union with the divine, his body drawn inward and supported by a young angel whose wings and gestures lend both strength and tenderness to the scene.
The saint’s face is pale, his head tilted back, his eyes closed as if overcome — while the angel’s flush cheek and firm, yet gentle hold signify both consolation and the supernatural nature of the episode. The background is dark and nearly undefined, drawing focus onto the figures and heightening the dramatic chiaroscuro typical of Gentileschi’s early Caravaggesque phase.
The saint’s brown habit folds in heavy drapery, while the angel’s lighter tones and sweeping wings provide contrast and visual uplift. The work captures a moment of spiritual ecstasy and physical exhaustion, embodying Franciscan themes of poverty, devotion, and union with Christ’s suffering. Sources date the painting to around 1600–1615
This image is a public domain image, which means either that copyright has expired in the image or the copyright holder has waived their copyright. Franciscan Gallery charges for the access to high resolution copy of the image. Manually restoration was necessary in order to improve quality, without covering the original image.
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