Artwork

Copy after the painting St Francis Drawing water from the rock by the Master of the St Francis cycle in the Upper Church, San Francesco, Assisi

Copy after the painting St Francis Drawing water from the rock by the Master of the St Francis cycle in the Upper Church, San Francesco, Assisi is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Edward Kaiser. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour painting is a 19th-century copy of a fresco from the Upper Church, San Francesco, Assisi.

About this work

Overview

This watercolour painting is a 19th-century copy of a fresco from the Upper Church, San Francesco, Assisi. Created by Eduard Kaiser in 1874, it reproduces a scene from the life of St Francis, with a decorative border and blue sky framing the composition.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts a pivotal moment in the legend of St Francis of Assisi, where he draws water from a rock. Four figures are present: a praying friar in brown robes, an observing companion with a staff, a kneeling figure (likely St Francis) reaching for the water, and a fourth figure in a hat, lying on the rocks, looking up. This miracle underscores Francis' faith and divine connection.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolour, Kaiser's copy deviates from the original medium of the fresco by the Master of the St Francis cycle. The work features a distinctive decorative border with patterns, setting it apart from the more austere style of the original fresco in Assisi.

History & Provenance

Commissioned by the Arundel Society as a study, this watercolour remained unpublished. It bears Eduard Kaiser's ink inscription and date (1874), documenting its creation.

Context

The original fresco, part of the St Francis cycle in Assisi, highlights the saint's life and miracles within a religious context. Kaiser's copy reflects 19th-century interest in medieval and Renaissance art, as well as the Arundel Society's efforts to promote and preserve such works through reproductions.

Legacy

Although this specific watercolour was never published by the Arundel Society, it contributes to the broader legacy of St Francis' artistic representations, reflecting ongoing fascination with his life and spiritual significance across centuries.