Artwork

Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata

Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata, by German 15th Century, ink, 1480
Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata, by German 15th Century, ink, 1480

Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1480 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

This painting shows Saint Francis with his hands up, receiving the stigmata.
The scene is detailed and the colors are simple.
The artist used hand-coloring to add depth to the woodcut, which is interesting because it was a common technique back then.
You can learn more about this style by looking at the work of the artist: German 15th Century.

Overview

This print depicts Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata, a pivotal moment in the saint's life. Created as a woodcut and hand-colored with a range of earthy tones, it showcases a blend of techniques characteristic of its time.

Subject & Meaning

The image shows Saint Francis with his hands raised, receiving the stigmata, a scene rooted in Christian hagiography. The detailed rendering conveys a sense of reverence and emphasizes the saint's spiritual experience.

Technique & Style

The work combines woodcut printing with hand-coloring in brown, yellow, green, blue, and tan. This technique, common in the 15th century, adds depth and visual interest to the print, illustrating the artistic practices of the period.

Context

Produced in 15th-century Germany, the print reflects the artistic and devotional trends of its time. The use of hand-coloring in woodcuts was a prevalent practice, suggesting the work is part of a broader artistic movement.

Artist & collection

Portrait of German 15th Century

Artist

German 15th Century

This 15th-century German artist carved vivid religious scenes into metal and wood, then hand-painted them in bright, symbolic colors.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.