Artwork
Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata
Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Pier Francesco Mola. It dates from 1655 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1655, *Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata* is a red chalk drawing on laid paper by Italian High Baroque artist Pier Francesco Mola, known for his naturalistic and landscape-influenced style.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts the pivotal moment of Saint Francis of Assisi receiving the stigmata (Christ's wounds), a frequent theme in religious art, conveying themes of pain and devotion through the figure's posture.
Technique & Style
Executed solely in red chalk, the work contrasts light shading with bold, dark strokes. The rough chalk texture and expressive, swirling background lines suggest a sense of urgency and dynamic movement.
History & Provenance
The drawing is part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington, D.C.
Context
Mola's emphasis on naturalism and his use of landscape elements (implied through the rocky ground and suggested movement) differentiated his work from the more formal conventions of his contemporaries.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pier Francesco Mola, called Il Ticinese was an Italian painter of the High Baroque, mainly active around Rome.
![The Ecstasy of Saint Francis [recto], by Sebastiano Ricci](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/sebastiano-ricci--the-ecstasy-of-saint-francis-recto--5f53f9b59775e5dd-w320.webp)
The Ecstasy of Saint Francis [recto]
The Penitent St. Peter
Saint Peter in Penitence
The Penitence of Saint Peter
God the Father Standing in Clouds Surrounded by Angels and Putti
Vision of St. Philip Neri
Standing Bearded Man Pointing Toward the Left
Mary Magdalene Praying in the Wilderness
The Assumption of the Virgin
St. Francis Receiving the Stigmata