Description
The painting Saint Francis Xavier in Adoration before the Virgin and Child by French artist Michel Corneille the Elder is a European Baroque masterpiece that has captivated art lovers for centuries. This work, which dates from the 17th century, is a sample of the artistic style of the time, characterized by exuberance, drama and emotion.
The composition of the painting is impressive, with a careful arrangement of the characters and the elements that surround them. Saint Francis Xavier, the patron saint of missionaries, kneels before the Virgin and Child, who are seated on a throne adorned with gold and red details. The Virgin holds the Child on her lap, while Saint Francis Xavier offers him a bouquet of flowers. In the background, you can see a view of the city of Goa, in India, where the saint carried out his missionary work.
Color is another outstanding aspect of this work. Gold and red tones dominate the composition, creating a feeling of richness and opulence. The details in the clothing of the characters, as well as in the decorative elements of the throne, are carefully painted with an impressive technique.
The history of painting is fascinating. It was commissioned by the Society of Jesus for the church of Saint Francis Xavier in Goa, India, where the saint's tomb is located. The work was brought to Europe in the 18th century and has passed through several hands before reaching its current location in a private collection.
There are little-known aspects of this work that make it even more interesting. For example, it is believed that Michel Corneille the Elder worked in collaboration with his son, also named Michel Corneille, in creating this painting. Furthermore, it has been speculated that the figure of Saint Francis Xavier was modeled after a portrait of the artist's own father.