Italian school of the second half of the 17th century.

Italian school of the second half of the seventeenth century. "San Francisco".
Oil on canvas.
Measurements: 84 x 64 cm; 102 x 85 cm (frame).

The face wrapped in tears with glassy eyes directed to heaven we place the scene around an act of contrition. The attitude of the saint in penitence, with his supplicant hands resting on his chest, expresses both deep devotion and supplication for divine forgiveness. The realism of the scene acts as a mirror in the viewer which is to be replicated in the saint. The premise of forgiveness has been one of the foundations of Catholic doctrine and has undoubtedly become one of the most visually powerful and emotionally charged themes.

Stylistically this work can be related to the environments of Milan and Genoa during the second half of the seventeenth century. Several similar works by the artist Carlo Giuseppe Nuvolone and his environment may indicate the possible attribution of the same.