PESELLINO – ST. Francis receiving the stigmata; Saints Cosmas and Damian treating a sick person Louvre (Paris)

The composition is divided into two distinct scenes, presented side-by-side within a single panel. The left scene depicts a moment of profound religious significance, while the right portrays a narrative of healing and charitable action.
On the left, we see a figure in monastic habit kneeling on uneven ground, his posture conveying deep reverence and suffering. Above him, emanating from an unseen source, are beams of light that manifest as visible wounds – stigmata – impacting his body. A secondary figure, also in monastic attire, is positioned lower in the frame, seemingly witnessing this divine event with a mixture of awe and sorrow. The landscape behind them is rendered with a simplified perspective, dominated by rocky outcrops and a dark, overcast sky which amplifies the solemnity of the occasion. The color palette here leans towards muted earth tones, punctuated by the darker hues of the sky and the figure’s habit.
The right scene shifts to an interior setting, characterized by architectural elements – arches and columns – that suggest a domestic or institutional space. A bed occupies the central position, upon which lies a person seemingly afflicted with illness. Attending to them are several figures in elaborate garments, indicative of their status and role within the community. One figure, clad in red robes, appears to be directing the actions of another who holds an object – perhaps medicine or a tool for treatment. The lighting here is more even than on the left side, illuminating the faces of the individuals involved and highlighting the details of their clothing. A sense of order and controlled action pervades this scene, contrasting with the raw emotion displayed in the first.
Subtly, the juxtaposition of these two scenes suggests a connection between divine suffering and earthly compassion. The stigmata represent an acceptance of pain and sacrifice for the sake of faith, while the healing scene embodies the practical application of Christian charity – tending to the physical needs of others. The placement of the scenes side-by-side implies that spiritual devotion should be accompanied by acts of kindness and service within the world. Furthermore, the differing levels of detail in each scene – the stark simplicity of the landscape versus the more elaborate architectural setting – may serve to emphasize the contrast between the otherworldly nature of divine grace and the tangible reality of human interaction. The overall effect is one of didactic storytelling, intended to inspire both piety and charitable action within the viewer.