Saint Francis music by Gerard Seghers
"Saint Francis Comforted by an Angel", is attributed to Gerard Seghers, a Flemish Baroque painter known for his dramatic use of light and religious themes. The artwork is a vivid and emotionally charged depiction of Saint Francis of Assisi, shown in a moment of mystical ecstasy or spiritual comfort, being ministered to by angels.
Saint Francis is depicted at the center-bottom of the composition, wearing the traditional brown habit of the Franciscan order. His gaze is lifted upward in rapture or awe, and he appears physically weak or overwhelmed, supported by one of the angels.
A male angel, partially draped and with wings, gently supports Saint Francis and looks at him with compassion. This angel is the primary figure interacting with the saint.
To the left, another angel — with flowing golden hair — appears to observe the scene closely, perhaps in awe or concern.
Above, a third angel dressed in a striking red robe plays a violin, adding a celestial and musical element to the spiritual encounter. This angel’s music likely symbolizes divine harmony and the comfort of heavenly presence.
The background is dark, enhancing the dramatic chiaroscuro effect typical of the Baroque style, where the divine light illuminates the key figures against the shadows.
At the bottom, a skull and an open book rest near Saint Francis — common symbols in religious art representing mortality and spiritual study or contemplation.
The composition and intense emotional expression reflect Caravaggisti influence, a hallmark of Seghers' work. The interplay of light and shadow heightens the spiritual and dramatic tone, and the focus on angelic music and mystical experience aligns with Catholic Counter-Reformation themes, where art served to inspire and elevate the faithful.
This painting is a powerful visual representation of divine consolation — Saint Francis, often associated with suffering and deep religious fervor, is here soothed by angelic music and heavenly presence. Seghers captures the mysticism and tender humanity of the scene with emotional depth and theatrical lighting.
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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