Artwork

The Virgin Mary and Saint Francis Saving the World from Christ's Anger

The Virgin Mary and Saint Francis Saving the World from Christ's Anger is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Peter Paul Rubens. It dates from 1614 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. This large-scale oil painting depicts a dramatic scene of intercession, created around 1614.

About this work

This is a big, dramatic painting about faith. The Virgin Mary and Saint Francis kneel before a powerful Christ, pleading to save the world from his anger. It’s oil paint on canvas, made around 1614.

Rubens didn’t work alone—his studio helped finish it. The scene ties to another version he painted in Lyon.

Check out Rubens’ bold, layered brushstrokes next.

technique: impasto

Overview

This large-scale oil painting depicts a dramatic scene of intercession, created around 1614. It is attributed to Peter Paul Rubens and his studio.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows the Virgin Mary and Saint Francis kneeling before Christ, pleading for mercy and salvation from his wrath, representing a moment of faith and divine intervention.

Technique & Style

The work is characterized by bold, layered brushstrokes and the use of impasto, a technique where paint is applied thickly to create a textured surface.

History & Provenance

The painting is related to another version by Rubens, Saints Dominic and Francis Saving the World from Christ's Anger, now in Lyon. It is currently housed in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels.

Artist & collection

Artist

Peter Paul Rubens

Sir Peter Paul Rubens ( ROO-bənz; Dutch: ; 28 June 1577 – 30 May 1640) was a Flemish artist and diplomat.

Museum

Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Continue through works from the same source collection.