Antique French Oil Painting San Damiano Crucifix Christ St. Francis of Assisi, Circa 1820

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A fine & monumental antique French oil painting of the San Damiano Crucifix, circa 1820.

This monumental oil painting on … Read more A fine & monumental antique French oil painting of the San Damiano Crucifix, circa 1820.

This monumental oil painting on canvas is very finely painted and is housed in a wooden crucifix shaped frame. The painting depicts Christ surrounded by angels, saints, the Virgin Mary and even the Roman soldiers who were present during the crucifixion, please see a description and biography of the San Damiano crucifix below. The painting is a representaion (painted in the early 1800s) of the work by an Umbrian artist of the High Middle Ages, circa 1100 AD, in front of which St. Francis had received his calling from the voice of Christ. The base of the painting has the words in French; " Va Francois repare ma maison qui tombe en ruines", translates as "Go Francis, repair my house that that lies in ruins".
The painting is very finely painted and is in excellent condition, it is ready to hang on your wall.

BIOGRAPHY
The San Damiano Crucifix is the iconic cross before which Saint Francis of Assisi was praying when he received his divine calling from Christ to "rebuild my church". It is a central symbol of the Franciscan mission and spirituality.
In 1205, a young Francis was praying in the abandoned chapel of San Damiano near Assisi when he heard the image of Christ on the cross speak to him
Francis initially took the command to "rebuild my house, which as you can see is all in ruins" literally and began physically repairing the dilapidated church building. He later realized the deeper spiritual message was a call to renew and rebuild the entire Church through his simple piety and deep spirituality, which led to the founding of the Franciscan order.
The crucifix is a large Romanesque cross, a style common in the 11th and 12th centuries, it was designed to teach the meaning of the depicted events and strengthen the faith of the people through its symbolism.
The cross, painted by an unknown Umbrian artist around 1100, is known for its unique Byzantine-influenced style, which focuses on Christ's triumph over death rather than his suffering.
The central figure of Jesus is depicted as both wounded yet strong, with open eyes, standing upright and resolute, symbolizing his victory and resurrection. His body is luminous, contrasting with a dark background representing the empty tomb. The cross features several other figures, including: The Virgin Mary, St. John the Evangelist, Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of James, and the Centurion. There are six angels are present at the ends of the crossbar, marveling at the event of the crucifixion.
Longinus (the soldier who pierced Jesus' side) and Stephaton (the soldier who offered Jesus a sponge soaked in vinegar) are depicted in smaller scale.
At the very top, a fully clothed, triumphant Christ is shown ascending into heaven, welcomed by ten angels. Also at the top of the cross, the hand of God the Father is shown, offering a blessing on the sacrifice of his Son.
The original San Damiano Crucifix is housed in the Basilica of Saint Clare (Basilica di Santa Chiara) in Assisi, Italy, where the Order of Poor Clares moved it in 1257 and have guarded it ever since. A replica hangs in its original place in the ancient church of San Damiano nearby. See less