CIGOLI St Francis Receives The Stigmata The Italian artists

The composition presents a central figure kneeling in apparent supplication within a densely wooded landscape. The man is clad in a coarse brown habit, secured with a rope knotted around his waist; his posture conveys profound humility and suffering. His face, etched with lines of anguish, is tilted upwards towards the celestial realm. One hand is raised in a gesture that could be interpreted as acceptance or pleading, while the other rests upon an open book lying on the ground before him.

Below this scene of devotion lies a stark still life: a skull and a rosary are placed directly on the earth, suggesting mortality and spiritual practice respectively. The book itself appears to contain scriptural text, reinforcing the religious context of the event unfolding above.

The background is dominated by a dark, almost impenetrable forest, punctuated by glimpses of a distant settlement nestled amongst the trees. This creates a sense of isolation for the central figure, emphasizing his solitary encounter with the divine. Above him, two cherubic figures are visible amidst swirling clouds and light. One holds a bird aloft, which appears to be descending towards the kneeling man; this is accompanied by beams of light emanating from above, seemingly marking the moment of spiritual revelation.

The artist’s use of chiaroscuro – the dramatic contrast between light and shadow – heightens the emotional intensity of the scene. The figure is illuminated against a dark backdrop, drawing attention to his suffering and emphasizing the otherworldly nature of the event. The palette is dominated by earthy tones – browns, greens, and ochres – which contribute to the painting’s somber mood.

Subtly, the work explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and divine intervention. The skull serves as a memento mori, reminding viewers of the inevitability of death and prompting reflection on spiritual matters. The bird, often associated with the Holy Spirit, suggests a direct communication from God to the man kneeling below. The distant settlement hints at the world left behind, further emphasizing the figure’s transcendence into a realm beyond earthly concerns. Overall, the painting conveys a powerful sense of religious ecstasy and profound personal transformation.