The Last Communion of St Francis Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)

The painting depicts the dying Saint Francis of Assisi receiving his last rites. He is shown emaciated and with stigmata on his hands and feet, symbolizing his devotion and suffering. He is kneeling, reaching out to a bishop who is about to administer communion. Other friars surround them, some looking on with sorrow and others in prayer. The scene is dramatic and emotionally charged, with rich drapery and a somber atmosphere.
In the upper part of the painting, putti are shown descending from the heavens, suggesting a divine presence and the impending ascension of the saints soul. The overall subtext of the painting is one of faith, sacrifice, and the promise of salvation. It emphasizes the spiritual journey of Saint Francis, highlighting his complete devotion to God and his acceptance of suffering as a path to divine union. The painting also serves as a powerful reminder of mortality and the importance of religious sacraments.