After Murillo, Vision of Saint Francis of Assisi at the Porziuncola, 19th Century, Oil on Canvas

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“Vision of Saint Francis of Assisi at the Porziuncola” Spanish School, following Murillo, 19th century – Spain

Technique: Oil on … Read more “Vision of Saint Francis of Assisi at the Porziuncola” Spanish School, following Murillo, 19th century – Spain

Technique: Oil on canvas
Title of the work: “Vision of Saint Francis of Assisi at the Porziuncola”
Artist: Spanish School
Style: Following Bartolomé Esteban Murillo
Period: 19th century
Good condition for its age and use / Shows signs of restoration
Overall dimensions: 131 x 98 x 4 cm
Dimensions without frame: 126 x 91 cm

An extraordinary oil on canvas, following an original by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, “Vision of Saint Francis of Assisi at the Porziuncola” (1670), which is currently housed in the Prado Museum. This type of painting was very common during the 19th century, when artists of the Spanish School followed in the footsteps of the great masters of the Golden Age. Murillo is especially renowned for his idealized representation of the human figure and the simplicity of his religious scenes, blending gentle content while simultaneously appealing to the most sensitive side of the faithful. He employed a refined painting technique that combines compositional features of Italian origin with a powerful sense of color, revealing influences of Flemish masters such as Rubens and Van Dyck.

The Vision of Saint Francis at the Porziuncola is an apparition of Christ and the Virgin Mary to Saint Francis while he was praying in the church of the Porziuncola in Assisi. In this vision, Francis asks for divine mercy for his brothers and is granted the plenary indulgence of the Pardon of Assisi, which is applied to those who visit the site with repentance. It took place in 1216, when Saint Francis was praying at the Porziuncola. Saint Francis requested forgiveness of sins for all who, with a repentant heart, visited that church. His request was granted through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, resulting in the plenary indulgence known as the Pardon of Assisi. This indulgence can be received annually on certain dates and in certain places, fulfilling specific requirements such as visiting the basilica, praying for the Pope's intentions, receiving Holy Communion, and being in a state of grace.

The work depicts Saint Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan Order, in prayer, witnessing an apparition of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. The scene is divided into two parts, heaven and earth, with contrasting chromatic and lighting effects. The Baroque composition is formed in a cross shape, with two intersecting diagonals creating an atmosphere of spirituality and harmony that invites prayer.

While in the lower section Saint Francis appears kneeling, wearing his earthen habit and with open arms, immersed in the dim light that barely reveals the architecture of the Porziuncola chapel, in the upper section intense golden light is evident. Angels surround the figures of Christ and the Virgin. Christ is shown in a triumphant pose, holding the cross with his left arm and covering part of his slender body with a red tunic that billows behind him. The Virgin gazes at her Son and wears the characteristic red tunic and blue mantle. The composition is formed by the characteristic Baroque cross, organized by two intersecting diagonals.

The frame protecting the artwork is offered as a gift, but it has intrinsic value. It is provided at no additional cost so that when your artwork arrives at your home or destination, it can be displayed immediately. Any damage to the frame itself, which does not affect the integrity of the artwork, cannot be accepted as a valid reason for filing a claim or requesting a cancellation. See less