Stigmatization of Saint Francis Mateo Cerezo
Stigmatization of San Francisco (1660). Oil on canvas, by Mateo Cerezo
Son of a modest painter of the same name, he appeared in Madrid around 1641, entering the workshop of Carreño de Miranda, of whom he would become one of the most promising disciples and collaborator on some projects in 1645.
Although there is no evidence that he worked for the court, it is evident that he frequented it and studied other important authors such as Van Dyck and Titian, using a skillful technique of Venetian influence. The evolution of his style leads him towards a transformation of his increasingly clearer touch.
In this beautiful scene we see Saint Francis, now supported by two angels, as he is pierced by the 6-winged Seraphim from heaven. The ecstasy makes him faint, but thanks to this support he manages to remain conscious. In front of him, the Holy Scriptures are open, a representation of his love for the Holy Gospel. Further back, in the lower right corner, a skull symbolizes sister death.
Mateo Cerezo died in 1666, and some of his still lifes are preserved in the Museum of Fine Arts of Mexico City, which are the only ones signed and dated (1664) known from him.
Comments
Post a Comment