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

Here we observe a dramatic scene unfolding within a tenebrous setting. A central figure, clad in a coarse monastic habit, dominates the composition. His posture is one of profound distress; arms raised as if warding off an unseen force, his face contorted with anguish. The artist has rendered him with a palpable sense of suffering, emphasizing the physical and spiritual torment he endures.
Above this figure, partially obscured by swirling clouds and intense light, appears another being – a winged form whose features are indistinct but suggestive of divine intervention or perhaps supernatural agency. This entity seems to be the source of the central figure’s ordeal, its presence radiating both power and a sense of unsettling mystery. The light emanating from it is not gentle; rather, it is harsh and almost blinding, contributing to the overall atmosphere of intense drama.
Below the main subject, two additional figures kneel in apparent reverence or supplication. Their faces are bowed, hidden in shadow, suggesting humility and perhaps fear in the face of this extraordinary event. They seem to witness the suffering from a distance, unable to intervene.
The color palette is restricted primarily to dark browns, ochres, and deep blacks, which amplify the sense of gloom and spiritual weight. The limited use of light serves to highlight key elements – the central figure’s face, the wounds appearing on his body, and the luminous form above – drawing the viewers attention to the core narrative.
Subtly, the composition explores themes of faith, suffering, and divine grace. The depiction suggests a moment of profound spiritual trial, where earthly pain intersects with the supernatural realm. The kneeling figures imply the role of witness and the potential for shared devotion in the face of adversity. The overall effect is one of intense emotionality and a sense of awe-inspiring, albeit unsettling, revelation.