Who painted Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata?

Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata was painted by Unknown in 1490.

Where can I see Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata?

Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata is held by Philadelphia Museum of Art.

What movement is Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata?

Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata is associated with Early Renaissance.

Artwork

Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata

Unknown , 1490

Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata is an oil painting by the Early Renaissance artist Unknown. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The oil painting depicts a kneeling figure in a gray robe, his right hand raised and left palm open, gazing upward toward a luminous red figure suspended in the air. The red figure extends its arms and holds a cross, positioned before a rocky archway with a modest building beyond. A tranquil landscape of water and a grassy hill unfolds in the distance, lending depth to the devotional scene.

Subject & Meaning

The central motif presents the moment of Saint Francis of Assisi receiving the stigmata, symbolized by the ethereal red figure bearing the cross. The saint’s posture of supplication and open palm conveys receptivity and spiritual surrender, while the celestial presence underscores the divine origin of the wounds.

Technique & Style

Rendered in oil, the composition balances muted earth tones of the foreground with the vivid crimson of the heavenly figure, creating a striking visual contrast. The use of chiaroscuro models the rocky cliff and archway, while the atmospheric perspective softens the distant water and hill, enhancing the sense of depth and reverence.

Context

The work situates the miraculous event within a natural setting, integrating architectural elements such as the arch and modest structure to frame the saint’s encounter. The juxtaposition of the terrestrial landscape with the supernatural figure reflects a common narrative approach in religious art, emphasizing the intersection of earthly devotion and divine intervention.