Saint Francis by Bernardo Strozzi 1610
Although Saint Francis is frequently portrayed with a book, other scenes in which he actually leafs through the book have not yet been discovered. Perhaps the action refers to a passage from the 'Legenda Maior' where we read that Francis would always reach for the Bible in moments of serious doubt. The scene is undoubtedly intended to encourage meditation. From 1598 onwards, until around 1608, Bernardo Strozzi painted mainly small half figures of saints. According to his biographers, he worked at great speed and only later did he concentrate on improving his style.
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