Saint Francis in ecstasy
This classical depiction of Saint Francis of Assisi in ecstasy, a well known episode in his life that emphasizes his deep mystical union with God.
Saint Francis is shown in a moment of spiritual rapture, wearing a brown Franciscan robe tied with a rope belt, symbolizing humility and poverty. His gaze and right hand are lifted toward the heavens, where a crucifix with a radiant Christ and cherubic angel is suspended in a beam of divine light.
The moment captures Francis’s ecstatic union with God, a hallmark of his spiritual life. Receiving the stigmata, was a miraculous gift he received on Mount La Verna.
His expression is one of awe and spiritual intensity, often interpreted as receiving the stigmata—the wounds of Christ. The scene is set in a rocky wilderness, referencing the remote places where Francis would retreat for prayer. To the right, there's a skull, symbolizing mortality and the contemplative life, and an open book, perhaps representing Scripture or divine wisdom.
In the background, another monk (likely Brother Leo, who was his companion) watches in reverence or amazement, adding to the sense of a witnessed miracle.
The use of light and golden tones suggests divine presence. The ornate gold leaf border and lion-headed corner decorations give the painting a baroque or rococo style, emphasizing its importance and sacred nature.
Despite the ornate border, the natural surroundings emphasize Francis’s vow of simplicity and his love for creation.
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.
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