The artwork titled “St. Francis receiving the Stigmata” was created by Giorgio Vasari in the year 1548. It belongs to the Mannerism, which is a phase of the Late Renaissance art movement, and falls under the genre of religious painting.
In this distinguished artwork, Saint Francis is depicted at the moment he receives the stigmata, a significant and holy event where he miraculously obtains the wounds of Christ on his body. The scene is set outdoors in a dimmed, serene landscape, under a darkened, possibly evening sky. Saint Francis is shown kneeling down in fervent prayer, with an expression of both reverence and awe as he gazes upward. His hands are raised, showcasing the onset of the stigmata. Above him in a break of divine light, a group of cherubs or angels appear, seemingly the divine source bestowing the sacred marks upon him.
Beside Saint Francis, another figure reclines on the ground, possibly Brother Leo, observing the miraculous event. The attention to detail in their robes and the contrast between the darker background and the lighter, illuminated figures showcase Vasari’s technical skill and adherence to the Mannerist style. This masterpiece not only reflects the deep spiritual fervor of the period but also highlights Vasari’s impeccable use of composition and dramatic lighting to convey an impactful religious narrative.
