The artwork titled “St. Francis receiving the stigmata” is attributed to the renowned artist El Greco, created circa 1571 in Venice, Italy. This piece, executed in tempera on panel, measures 29 by 21 centimeters and is classified within the Mannerism movement, which is part of the Late Renaissance period. The genre of the painting is religious, and it currently resides within a private collection.
The artwork depicts a profound moment in Christian history, portraying St. Francis of Assisi as he receives the stigmata. St. Francis is seen in a state of divine rapture, looking upward with an expression of awe or perhaps ecstasy, his hands outstretched, receiving the miraculous wounds of Christ. Behind him stands a second figure, possibly a disciple or fellow monk, who appears humbly bowed in prayer or contemplation. The setting of the scene is a rugged, natural landscape, resonant with spiritual significance as it conveys a sense of seclusion and divine interaction far from the mundane world.
El Greco’s use of color and form enhances the otherworldly experience of the saint. The flowing lines and dramatic contrasts in light suggest movement and divine presence, a hallmark of Mannerist technique that aimed to convey emotion and complexity in its subjects. The choice of subject matter further emphasizes the spiritual and introspective exploration characteristic of El Greco’s oeuvre. The smaller size of the artwork suggests that it may have been intended for private devotion, a personal encounter with the sacred for the viewer.
