"Oil On Canvas, Saint Francis In Prayer, Vanity Nineteenth Century Human Skull Meditation Ecstasy"
Old oil on canvas dating from the beginning of the 19th century. Religious subject representing Saint Francis of Assisi in prayer. In the indistinct penumbra of the hermitage appears a grazing beam of light which brightly illuminates the profile of the holy hermit, kneeling in a posture of deep meditation. Near him a crucifix is placed on a skull. Attribute of the penitent hermit. In accordance with the Franciscan mystique of poverty, the habit of homespun (rough, torn and patched) is shown in a very realistic way. The composition underlines the seriousness of the mystical reflection The theme of the meditation of Saint Francis is quite in tune with the times, however the choice of a meditation on a skull rather than on a crucifix is quite innovative on the part of the artist Work dating from the beginning of the 19th century. Measures 54cm x 46cm. In good condition, presented in a wooden frame & gilded stucco.