Description
The painting St Francis Supported by an Angel by the artist Orazio Gentileschi is a masterpiece of Italian Baroque art from the 17th century. The painting shows Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and nature, being held in the air by an angel.
The composition of the painting is impressive, with Saint Francis and the angel at the center of the image, surrounded by a landscape of mountains and trees. The figure of San Francisco is represented in a very realistic way, with carefully painted details on his habit and on his face.
Color is also a prominent aspect of the painting, with warm, vibrant tones reflecting the sunlight shining onto the scene. The golden and brown tones in the San Francisco habit contrast with the blue of the sky and the green of the trees, creating a very attractive visual harmony.
The story behind the painting is interesting: it was commissioned by the Barberini family, one of the most powerful in Rome at the time, and was created to decorate their private chapel. The painting was very well received by the family and became one of Gentileschi's most famous works.
A little known aspect of the painting is that Gentileschi was a very influential artist in his time, and his Baroque style had a great influence on other Italian artists of the time. The painting St Francis Supported by an Angel is a perfect example of his ability to create dramatic and emotional images that move the viewer.
In short, Orazio Gentileschi's painting is a masterpiece of Italian Baroque art, with stunning composition, vibrant use of color, and a fascinating story behind it. It is a work that remains relevant and exciting to art lovers around the world.