St Francis by Carracci 1601

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The Vision of Saint Francis of Assisi – Ludovico Carracci, c. 1601, oil on canvas, 103 × 102 cm

In this painting, Saint Francis is shown in an intense moment of mystical vision, kneeling and fully absorbed in his encounter with the divine. The composition is dominated by a dramatic interplay of light and shadow: the heavenly figures of the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child are illuminated by a soft, ethereal glow, which stands out against the dark, moody background. This chiaroscuro effect emphasizes the miraculous nature of the apparition and creates a palpable contrast between the spiritual and earthly realms.

Francis’s posture is expressive and humble, with arms outstretched and head raised in awe. His Franciscan habit is rendered in deep, earthy tones that blend with the surrounding shadows, further highlighting the luminous figures above. On the left side, the faint suggestion of a moonlit landscape or wooded area provides context for the earthly setting, without distracting from the saint’s experience. The folds of his cloak and the careful modeling of his face and hands reveal Carracci’s skill in conveying both physical presence and spiritual intensity.

The painting captures the psychological and emotional impact of divine revelation, one of Carracci’s innovations in early Baroque religious art. The dark palette, focused lighting, and composition invite the viewer to witness the moment intimately, emphasizing the saint’s personal, ecstatic connection with the Virgin and the Christ Child.

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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.