Josep Benlliure Gil
Illustrations of St. Francis, by Josep Benlliure Gil. Spanish, Valencia (1858–1937)
Josep Benlliure Gil was a Spanish painter from Valencia. Having shown remarkable talent from a young age, he attended the Spanish School in Rome, and from 1903 to 1913 served as director of the Spanish Academy of Fine Arts, becoming a leading figure among Spanish artists working in Rome. He produced both paintings and sculptures throughout his career.
Benlliure was a devout admirer of Saint Francis of Assisi, a devotion reflected in his extensive Franciscan-themed work. His illustrated cycle on the life of the saint includes more than fifty episodes, each rendered with expressive drawing, narrative clarity, and emotional restraint. His works gained success across Europe, particularly in Paris, Munich, Stuttgart, and Berlin. His brothers, Juan Antonio and Mariano, were also notable artists, the former a painter and the latter a sculptor.
Illustration 1. In this scene, Saint Francis embraces a poor and ailing man, his posture gentle and compassionate. The figures are drawn with loose but confident strokes, emphasizing expression over detail. Francis leans forward with humility, placing his hands tenderly around the man’s shoulders. The poor man’s frail body and lowered gaze highlight human vulnerability, while Francis’s calm presence conveys acceptance and mercy. The background remains minimal, allowing the emotional interaction between the two figures to take full focus. Benlliure captures the essence of Franciscan charity: service not from superiority, but from shared dignity.
Illustration 2. This second illustration shows Saint Francis addressing a small gathering of friars or companions. Francis appears animated and engaged, his arms slightly raised as he speaks, conveying a sense of heartfelt conviction. The group listens attentively, forming a semi-circle that draws the eye back to Francis as the visual center. The clothing is simple, emphasizing the Franciscan ideals of poverty and humility. The scene depicts not only teaching, but community: a shared life rooted in fraternity, simplicity, and the joy of following Christ together.
Check here the catalogue for Benlliure's illustrations of St. Francis
Comments
Post a Comment