Description
The painting St Francis Consoled by an Angel by artist Giuseppe Césari is an impressive work noted for its baroque artistic style and dramatic composition. The work measures 270 x 198 cm and is in the collection of the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome.
The painting depicts Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and nature, who is being consoled by an angel after receiving the stigmata on his hands, feet, and side. The composition of the work is very interesting, since the artist has managed to create an effect of depth and movement through the arrangement of the characters and the use of light and shadow.
The coloring of the painting is very rich and vibrant, with warm and earthy tones that reflect the spirituality and connection of San Francisco with nature. In addition, the artist has used a loose and expressive brushwork technique that gives the work a sense of movement and life.
The history of the painting is fascinating, as it was commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the 17th century for his private collection. The work was later acquired by the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome and has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and studies.
One of the lesser known aspects of the painting is that the angel comforting Saint Francis is actually a representation of the saint's own soul. This interpretation is based on the belief that Saint Francis had a very close connection to angels and that his soul had merged with that of an angel after his death.
In conclusion, the painting St Francis Consoled by an Angel by artist Giuseppe Césari is an impressive work of art noted for its Baroque style, dramatic composition, vibrant coloring, and fascinating history. It is a work that continues to captivate viewers and represents one of the best expressions of religious art of the 17th century.