Who painted St. Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata?

St. Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata was painted by Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi in 1650.

Where can I see St. Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata?

St. Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is St. Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata?

St. Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

St. Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata

Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi , 1650

St. Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata is a print by the Baroque artist Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1650 by the multi‑talented Italian artist Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi, this print portrays the moment Saint Francis of Assisi receives the wounds of Christ. The composition centers on a kneeling Francis, eyes lifted toward a celestial vision, while the surrounding darkness accentuates his figure. The work belongs to the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures the mystical episode in which Saint Francis is marked with the stigmata, the physical signs of Christ’s crucifixion. By showing the saint in a humble, kneeling posture, the print emphasizes his devotion and the transformative nature of the experience, inviting viewers to contemplate the union of earthly suffering and divine grace.

Technique & Style

Grimaldi employs a chiaroscuro approach, contrasting deep shadows with illuminated areas to model the saint’s form and suggest depth within the limited space of the print. The interplay of light and dark not only creates a three‑dimensional effect but also enhances the solemn atmosphere, underscoring the spiritual intensity of the scene.

History & Provenance

Although Grimaldi is better known for his frescoes and classical landscapes, he produced this print during a prolific period of work for Roman aristocratic patrons. The piece eventually entered the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains accessible to scholars and the public as part of the museum’s European prints collection.

Artist & collection

Artist

Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi

Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi (1606 – 28 November 1680) was an Italian painter, draughtsman, printmaker and architect. He was an accomplished fresco painter of classical landscapes which were popular with leading Roman families.