Who painted Spring of Saint Francis (Fonte di San Francesco) [plate B]?

Spring of Saint Francis (Fonte di San Francesco) [plate B] was painted by Jacopo Ligozzi in 1612.

Where can I see Spring of Saint Francis (Fonte di San Francesco) [plate B]?

Spring of Saint Francis (Fonte di San Francesco) [plate B] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Spring of Saint Francis (Fonte di San Francesco) [plate B]?

Spring of Saint Francis (Fonte di San Francesco) [plate B] is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Spring of Saint Francis (Fonte di San Francesco) [plate B]

Jacopo Ligozzi , 1612

Spring of Saint Francis (Fonte di San Francesco) [plate B] is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacopo Ligozzi. It dates from 1612 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jacopo Ligozzi’s 1612 engraving titled *Spring of Saint Francis (Fonte di San Francesco)* presents a tranquil religious tableau.

Jacopo Ligozzi’s 1612 engraving titled *Spring of Saint Francis (Fonte di San Francesco)* presents a tranquil religious tableau. Executed in black‑and‑white, the print captures a modest brick structure with an arched opening, where two figures are seated, while a winding path leads past trees and grazing sheep. The composition conveys a calm, pastoral atmosphere typical of early‑17th‑century devotional imagery.

Subject & Meaning

The scene alludes to a moment in the life of Saint Francis, emphasizing his connection to nature and simplicity. By placing the saint’s environment amid modest architecture and grazing livestock, the work underscores themes of humility, contemplation, and the harmony between the sacred and the natural world.

Technique & Style

Ligozzi employed the engraving method, incising fine lines into a metal plate to produce delicate tonal variations. The dense hatching creates subtle shadows and textures, rendering the foliage, stone, and fabric with a near‑realistic fidelity. The style reflects the late‑Renaissance transition toward Mannerist elegance, evident in the balanced composition and refined detail.

History & Provenance

Created in 1612, the print belongs to Ligozzi’s mature period, when he was active as a painter, illustrator, and miniaturist in Italy. While specific ownership records are scarce, the work has been catalogued among his printed output and is representative of his contributions to religious printmaking in the early 17th century.

Context

During the early 1600s, devotional prints circulated widely, providing visual aids for personal meditation. Ligozzi’s engraving fits within this tradition, offering a contemplative image that could be reproduced and shared among the faithful, complementing the broader Counter‑Reformation emphasis on accessible religious art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jacopo Ligozzi

Jacopo Ligozzi (1547–1627) was an Italian painter, illustrator, designer, and miniaturist. His art can be categorized as late-Renaissance and Mannerist styles.