Artwork
Saint Francis
Saint Francis is an ink print by the Baroque artist Pieter Claesz Soutman. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Saint Francis is a print created by Pieter Claesz Soutman in 1620 using the etching technique. It is executed in black, resulting in a black-and-white image.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a kneeling figure in a loose robe, resting his head on his hand, with a skull and cross nearby. The figure's wild hair and tired expression convey a sense of contemplation or penitence, while the skull and cross suggest a religious or mortuary theme.
Technique & Style
Soutman employed shading to create a realistic representation of the robe's folds. The etching technique allowed for detailed rendering of textures and expressions, contributing to the overall somber mood of the image.
Artist & collection
