Who painted Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata?

Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata was painted by German 15th Century.

Where can I see Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata?

Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata?

Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata

German 15th Century

Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The work is a hand‑colored woodcut depicting Saint Francis of Assisi as he receives the stigmata.

About this work

Overview

The work is a hand‑colored woodcut depicting Saint Francis of Assisi as he receives the stigmata. Executed in a single print, the image combines black line work with applied pigments of green, yellow, Indian red and blue, giving the scene a modest yet vivid palette.

Subject & Meaning

The composition shows the saint kneeling on grass, his hands outstretched toward an ethereal, winged figure bearing a luminous halo. The angelic presence appears to press the wounds of Christ onto Francis’s hands and side, symbolising the saint’s mystical union with the suffering of Jesus.

Technique & Style

Created by carving the design into a wooden block, the artist printed the image in black ink before manually applying color to selected areas. The woodcut’s linear clarity is enhanced by the bright pigments, which highlight the figures, foliage and a distant chapel, while preserving the medium’s characteristic contrast.

History & Provenance

The print belongs to the tradition of early modern devotional images circulated among the faithful. Its hand‑coloring suggests it was intended for personal or small‑group use rather than a large public altar, reflecting the period’s practice of producing affordable religious prints.

Context

Depictions of Saint Francis receiving the stigmata were popular in the Counter‑Reformation, emphasizing piety and the imitation of Christ’s suffering. This woodcut aligns with that devotional trend, offering a visual aid for meditation on the saint’s spiritual experience.