An artwork on Galleree from The Art Institute of Chicago.
About the artwork
Saint FrancisPeter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577-1640)
c. 1615
Flanders
99 × 78.8 cm (43 1/4 × 31 in.); Framed: 148 × 118.8 × 7.6 cm (58 1/4 × 46 3/4 × 3 in.)
Oil on panel
George F. Harding Collection
['17th Century']
['Saint Francis', 'clouds', 'crucifixions', 'landscape', 'man', 'saints', 'trees']
['painting', 'oil on panel', 'paint', 'european painting']
['oil paint (paint)', 'organic material', 'panel (wood)']
['painting', 'oil painting', 'painting (image making)', 'painting techniques', 'panel painting']
The Franciscans were among the reformed religious orders whose preaching and teaching activities helped revive the Roman Catholic Church in the Southern Netherlands following years of religious and political turmoil in the 1500s. Peter Paul Rubens here depicted the order’s founder, Saint Francis of Assisi, recognizable by the wound that imitates the pierced hands of the crucified Jesus. In this portrait-like image, which was likely made on commission, Rubens conveyed the saint’s spirituality through his meditative gaze and posture.
| attributed to Art Institute of Chicago under CC-By license
In the quiet whispers of history, amidst a backdrop of strife and uncertainty, a vibrant revival began to stir in the Southern Netherlands during the tumultuous 1500s. This was a period rife with discord, where religious and political upheaval seemed to paint every corner with shades of turmoil. Yet, from the ashes of despair, hope sprouted through the efforts of reformed religious orders, among them the Franciscans. Their passionate preaching and teaching breathed new life into the weary spirits of the Roman Catholic Church, guiding them toward a renewed sense of faith and community.
Amidst this revival stood an artist whose brush strokes forged an indelible connection between heaven and earth: Peter Paul Rubens. In one of his most poignant works, Rubens captured the sacred essence of a figure seen by many as a beacon of tranquility—Saint Francis of Assisi. With profound reverence, the artist portrayed the saint, his serene visage immediately recognizable by the Holy wound on his hand, resembling the pierced hands of the crucified Jesus.
In the portrait-like image, one can almost feel the sacred atmosphere enveloping Saint Francis. His meditative gaze, deep and searching, seems to reach beyond the canvas and into the hearts of those who behold it. The posture he holds—calm and contemplative—invites viewers into a moment of reflection. Rubens didn’t just paint a picture; he painted a feeling, a connection to spirituality that transcends time.
In this simple yet profound portrayal, we see the intertwining of faith and artistry, a reminder that even in the depths of chaos, there can emerge a profound peace, calling to us through the ages.
About the artist
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