Italian school; end of the XVII century.

Italian school; late seventeenth century.
"St. Francis."
Oil on canvas.
It has a frame of the nineteenth century.
Measurements: 66 x 58 cm; 81 x 74 cm (frame).
Saint Francis 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 face of the saint, deeply moved, is the undisputed protagonist of the scene.
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.