Vision of Saint Francis by Jose de Ribera

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Vision of Saint Francis by José de Ribera

In this painting the great saint, Saint Francis of Assisi, is depicted in a powerful moment of spiritual confrontation. He stands before a darkened background, which allows the illuminated figures and the few symbolic objects to dominate the scene. At his side lies a skull, and nearby a whip (flogging instrument) — both serve as potent reminders of mortality, penitence and humility, underscoring Francis’s ascetic devotion. Rising above him is an angel who offers him a glass sphere filled with very clear water; this vessel functions as a symbol of the purity required of one who aspires to the priesthood or to perfect spiritual union, a holiness which Francis himself felt he could not fully attain.

The saint’s gaze is turned toward the angel, his hands open in a gesture of receptivity yet his face reveals the internal struggle: the call to divine purity on one side, and his own sense of unworthiness on the other. The contrast between the luminous angel and the dark environment heightens the drama of this mystical episode. The glass sphere glows softly, drawing attention to its transparency and the notion of inner clarity; meanwhile the skull lies inert and humble in the shadows, a silent witness to the transient nature of earthly life.

Painted in c. 1636–1638, this oil on canvas is characterised by strong tenebrist contrasts — deep shadows and sharp highlights — which intensify the emotional impact and emphasise the physical texture of robe, skin and objects. (1636 oil on canvas).

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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.