St Francis Cross lithograph Carlo Verdon 1850s

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 St. Francis and the Crucifix (1850s), lithograph Carlo Verdon(i), Turin

St. Francis and the Crucifix is an original 19th-century Italian lithograph attributed to Carlo Verdon (sometimes recorded as Verdoni), active in Turin during the mid-1800s. The lower margin bears the inscription “Lit. C. Verdon – Torino,” identifying the lithographer and place of production. Executed as a finely detailed watercolored lithograph on brown paper, the work is preserved in good condition and bears no handwritten signature. The sheet measures 28.5 cm in height, 17 cm in width, with a depth of approximately 1 cm when mounted.

The composition presents a devotional image centered on the crucified Christ, framed by ornate baroque-inspired decoration. At the right kneels Saint Francis of Assisi, depicted in humble prayer before the cross. Beneath Christ’s feet appears the skull and crossbones symbolizing Golgotha and mortality. In the background, a Franciscan convent complex and a prominent well situate the scene within a specific local tradition. The Italian inscription below describes the image as a “vera immagine” (true image) of an ancient crucifix venerated in a Franciscan church at Ponte della Trave, associated with a miracle in which, at the supplication of St. Francis, water from a well was turned into wine to sustain workers building the convent. Continue reading after advertisement

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This lithograph belongs to the rich tradition of 19th-century Italian popular devotional prints. Such works were widely produced in centers like Turin and sold to pilgrims or displayed in homes and religious communities. Lithography allowed for affordable mass reproduction, while delicate hand-coloring enhanced their aesthetic and devotional appeal. The combination of narrative inscription, local miracle reference, and ornamental framing reflects the didactic and commemorative purpose typical of Catholic imagery in pre-unification Italy.

Beyond its devotional function, the artwork exemplifies the intersection of faith, print culture, and regional religious identity in the 1850s. The careful detailing of the crucifix, the expressive humility of St. Francis, and the inclusion of architectural elements anchor the sacred event within a tangible landscape. As both a religious artifact and a historical print, St. Francis and the Crucifix offers insight into mid-19th-century Catholic visual culture and the enduring Franciscan devotion to the crucified Christ.

Get a set of 2 restored images (including the one featured in this post), now on sale

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.