908 - Saint Francis of Assisi in Prayer – Spanish School of Peter of Orrente – 17th century

Saint Francis of Assisi in Prayer – Spanish School of Peter of Orrente – 17th century Oil on canvas. 144 × 97 cm. Framed: 161 × 115 cm. Depiction of Saint Francis of Assisi in prayer and contemplation. The saint is depicted wearing a Franciscan habit, with his hands on his chest and his gaze raised toward heaven. The figure stands out against a landscape with a low horizon and a stormy sky, illuminated by a sliver of light filtering through the clouds. On a table or stand to the right rest an open book and a skull, symbols associated with meditation on death and penance. The dramatic use of light and the expressiveness of the face are reminiscent of Spanish Baroque religious painting.