Saint Francis by Trophime Bigot

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For a long time the unknown author of a series of paintings with night scenes was identified only as the master of light. One of these pieces is titled: Saint Francis of Assisi in prayer. There, St. Francis is only illuminated by a candle whose light, masterfully represented, outlines all the objects and unites them.

Trophime Bigot was later identified as the author of this one, and other stylistically coherent works previously attributed to the anonymous label of the Master of Light.

Bigot was born in Arles in 1579, and after an initial local training he moved to Rome, just as many other artists of his time usually did. He stayed there from 1920 and 1634, and during this period, got influenced by Caravaggio.

In most of his works, the constant search for the contrast between light and shadow and still lifes flanked by very realistic human figures is evident. In 1634 it Bigot returned to Arles, later settling in Aix-en-Provence. His works, of vigorous realism and Caravaggesque colors, were in high demand throughout Provence.