“Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy”
By: Caravaggio
1595
Size: 36 x 50 inches
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Caravaggio’s depiction of St. Francis receiving the stigmata is very peculiar in the way it is portrayed. Both the angle and the saint have a very serious look on their face and it seems to be a very private almost intimate encounter. A stigmata is a bodily mark or sore that is linked with the crucifixion of Jesus. This new understanding helps us interpret the reason for the angels touch at the side of the saint. According to John 19: 34 “Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.” This is symbolic of the stigmata St. Francis is receiving in this painting on his side. Along with the angel and St. Francis there is a sarcophagus in the back left which is St. Francis brother Leo. He was with St. Francis during the stigmatization. Resources
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