Description
This painting represents the heavenly vision of Saint Francis of Paola, founder of the Order of the Minims, a religious order committed to perpetual abstinence and acts of humility. The saint experiences a vision in which the word "Charitas" (meaning Charity) appears in a halo of golden light, accompanied by cherubs. The word became the motto of the Minims and appears on the heraldic shield of the order.
In the background, the saint appears again standing on a bank with two kneeling companions. This scene in the distance refers to a miracle in which Francis calmed a stormy sea and carried men across the Strait of Messina in his cloak after being refused passage on a ship.
The theme of the painting should not be seen simply in terms of its visionary and narrative elements, but as a representation of the faith itself embodied by Saint Francis of Paola. Aged and bearded, he is humbly dressed and seems to bear the weight of his vocation on his slender walking stick. He beholds the message conveyed by the heavenly host with a look of reverent amazement and obedient acceptance. The simplicity of the setting, the sober tonality, the loose brushwork, and the harmony of material and divine presence are consistent with Murillo's late style and help convey a scene of passionate spiritual appeal.
In the background, the saint appears again standing on a bank with two kneeling companions. This scene in the distance refers to a miracle in which Francis calmed a stormy sea and carried men across the Strait of Messina in his cloak after being refused passage on a ship.
The theme of the painting should not be seen simply in terms of its visionary and narrative elements, but as a representation of the faith itself embodied by Saint Francis of Paola. Aged and bearded, he is humbly dressed and seems to bear the weight of his vocation on his slender walking stick. He beholds the message conveyed by the heavenly host with a look of reverent amazement and obedient acceptance. The simplicity of the setting, the sober tonality, the loose brushwork, and the harmony of material and divine presence are consistent with Murillo's late style and help convey a scene of passionate spiritual appeal.