Saint Francis listens to music Reni Guido

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Saint Francis listens to music from an Angel, by Reni Guido (Le Guide). Baroque art, 1607

In this deeply spiritual and emotive Baroque painting, Guido Reni captures a moment of divine serenity and mystical communion. The composition centers around Saint Francis of Assisi, depicted in a humble, contemplative pose. Clad in the simple brown habit of the Franciscan order, the saint is seated in a rocky grotto, resting his head gently on his hand in a state of peaceful slumber or meditation. In his lap, he cradles a skull, a classic memento mori symbolizing mortality and spiritual reflection.

Above him, an angel hovers gracefully in the celestial light. With ethereal wings and flowing robes tinged with warm tones of orange and gold, the angel plays a violin, filling the space with silent heavenly music. The contrast between the grounded earth tones of Saint Francis and the radiant light surrounding the angel evokes a sense of transcendence, as if the music bridges the divine and the earthly.

To the side, a book lies open, symbolizing scripture or devotional reading, while the rugged background and minimal distractions emphasize the saint’s withdrawal from worldly concerns. The light streaming in from the heavens illuminates the scene with divine presence, highlighting Reni's masterful use of chiaroscuro—the dramatic interplay of light and shadow that brings emotional depth and sacred intimacy to the painting.

This artwork beautifully reflects the mystical experiences attributed to Saint Francis, his deep connection to God through nature, humility, and contemplation. Reni’s refined technique and delicate touch imbue the scene with grace, reverence, and an almost dreamlike tranquility.

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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.