Death of St Francis

Español

Another of the most significant pieces is The Death of Saint Francis, painted by Juan Ruiz Soriano in the 18th century. It is a relined work that also has been repainted, but it bears a dated inscription. Its semicircular format suggests that it was intended to decorate a specific architectural space, probably the upper part of an opening.

The painting you uploaded, titled "The Death of Saint Francis" by Juan Ruiz Soriano, is a powerful and emotive depiction of the passing of Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order.

Get this restored image, now on sale

Central figure is Saint Francis, lying on a simple bed at the center of the composition. His posture is relaxed, eyes closed, symbolizing peaceful death. His body appears thin and frail, emphasizing humility and poverty, central themes of his life.

A few friars and other faithful devotees surround him. The Franciscan monks, easily identifiable by their black habits and tonsures, encircle the bed. They are engaged in various acts of mourning and devotion: Some are praying or reading scripture, others are touching him or gesturing reverently toward his body.

Get this restored image, now on sale

A few laypeople, possibly women devotees, are visible to the left, sharing in the solemn moment.

Celestial vision on the upper part. Above the scene, a golden cloud opens to reveal a glowing Eucharist (the Host), surrounded by cherubs or angelic faces. This represents the divine presence and possibly the soul of Francis ascending to heaven or Christ receiving him.

The light from the Host illuminates the dark room, a powerful metaphor for divine grace at the moment of death.

Get this restored image, now on sale

Right Section – Religious Context. In the background, a small narrative scene appears, perhaps showing Francis’s earlier life or miracles. A plaque with an inscription is also present, likely offering contextual or devotional text.

Foreground Objects. A metal basin with a ladle, possibly used for anointing or cleansing, sits in the foreground, emphasizing the ritualistic aspect of death.

The composition follows the Baroque tradition, with dramatic contrasts of light and shadow (chiaroscuro), emotional expressiveness, and a clear spiritual message.

Get this restored image, now on sale

The semicircular or lunette format gives a feeling of enclosure and intimacy, guiding the viewer’s eye toward the heavenly vision above.

Soriano emphasizes devotion, humility, and communal prayer, central to Franciscan ideals.

The deathbed scene highlights Francis's holy death as a moment of spiritual triumph, not tragedy.

Communal Faith: The presence of monks and followers reflects the strength of the Franciscan community.

Divine Confirmation: The Eucharist and angels signify divine approval and the saint’s entrance into eternal life.

Get this restored image, 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.