Italian school; 17th century.

Italian school; XVII century.
"St. Francis penitent".
Oil on canvas. Relined.
It presents restorations in the pictorial surface.
Measurements: 75 x 60 cm.
San Francisco in penitent attitude was a theme deeply rooted in the counter-reformist spirituality that dominated the sacred art in the baroque period. This image, imbued with drama and mysticism, reflects not only the saint's devotion to Christ crucified, but also the aesthetic and theological ideals promoted by the Council of Trent (1545-1563) and its effects on subsequent artistic production.
In an environment of gloom, dominated by dark and earthy tones, the figure of St. Francis stands out, dressed in the traditional Franciscan habit. The saint's face, deeply moved and bathed in shadows, approaches with tenderness and reverence the crucifix he holds in his hands. The expression is one of absolute recollection, bordering on mystical ecstasy, with a tear that seems to flow from the left eye, underlining the emotional intensity of the moment.
The treatment of light is clearly caravaggista: the chiaroscuro not only models the volumes of the face and the habit, but also gives a spiritual atmosphere, focusing the viewer's attention on the intimate connection between the saint and the image of Christ crucified. The crucifix, disproportionately large and turned towards the viewer, is not simply a symbol, but the physical and spiritual axis of the scene.
One of the most revealing elements is the visible wound on the saint's hand, an indication of the stigmata that, according to tradition, St. Francis received as a sign of his union with the suffering of Christ. This detail is not merely anecdotal, but central to understanding 17th century Franciscan iconography.
During the 17th century, Italy was the epicenter of an artistic renewal marked by dramatic naturalism and emotional pathos, which sought to move the faithful and bring them closer to the divine mystery. Artists such as Caravaggio, Guido Reni, and the Carracci had a powerful influence on the way religious themes were represented, opting for a more human, direct and moving aesthetic.
In this context, the theme of the penitent St. Francis became especially popular, as it embodied ideals of humility and sacrifice.