Description
The painting St Francis and the Angel by Orazio Gentileschi is a masterpiece of Italian Baroque art noted for its artistic style, composition, color, and historical significance. The original size of the work is 133 x 98 cm, making it a medium-sized painting, but its visual impact is immense.
Gentileschi's artistic style in this work is typically Baroque, with meticulous attention to detail and dramatic lighting that creates a strong contrast between light and shadow. The figure of Saint Francis, with his brown habit and gray beard, is rendered with great precision and realism, while the angel who appears to him is surrounded by a heavenly light that makes him appear almost ethereal.
The composition of the painting is very interesting, since Gentileschi has created a perfect balance between the figure of Saint Francis and that of the angel. Both characters are located in the center of the painting, and the diagonal that forms between them creates a sensation of movement and dynamism in the work. Also, the scenery behind them is stunning, with great attention to detail in the rocks, trees, and sky.
The paint color is another highlight, as Gentileschi has used a palette of warm, earthy colors that reflect the humility and simplicity of St. Francis. The brown and gold tones of Saint Francis' habit and the surrounding landscape create a feeling of warmth and tranquility in the work.
The history of the painting is also very interesting, as it was commissioned by the Earl of Arundel, a major patron of the arts in 17th century England. The work was painted in Rome in 1620 and was later acquired by King Charles I of England. After the death of Charles I, the painting became part of the collection of the British royal family and is currently housed in the Royal Collection Trust at Buckingham Palace.
As for little-known aspects, it is known that Gentileschi was a very influential artist in his time, and that his work had a great impact on other Baroque artists such as Caravaggio and Rubens. Furthermore, it is believed that Gentileschi was one of the first artists to paint female figures with great sensitivity and realism, and that his daughter Artemisia Gentileschi followed in his footsteps and became a major Baroque artist in her own right.