Saint Francis embraces the Cross by Bernardo Strozzi
This painting, titled Saint Francis of Assisi Embracing a Crucifix (or St Francis of Assisi Adoring the Crucifix), was created by the Genoese master Bernardo Strozzi around 1615.
The work is a profound expression of Franciscan spirituality, reflecting Strozzi's own history as a Capuchin monk—a reformist branch of the Franciscan order—which earned him the nicknames il Cappuccino and il Prete Genovese.
The scene depicts Saint Francis in a moment of intense mystical union and personal adoration. Unlike depictions of the stigmatization where he is a passive recipient, here he actively embraces the feet of Christ, signaling deep love and imitation of Christ's suffering. Continue reading after advertisement
Francis is identifiable by his simple brown habit and the stigmata visible on his hands. Beside him lie a skull, a memento mori symbolizing the transience of life, and an open Bible, representing his devotion to the Word of God.
Style: Strozzi uses a dramatic chiaroscuro (light and shadow) typical of the early 17th century to highlight the saint's fervor and spiritual surrender. The naturalistic treatment and rich, earthy tones are hallmarks of his Genoese period.
Versions: Because these small devotional works were highly popular for private contemplation in homes, Strozzi and his workshop produced several versions. Notable examples of this specific composition are held in the National Museum Cardiff and the Art Gallery of South Australia.
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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