Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata Federico Barocci (1526/35-1612)

In the painting Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata, Saint Francis is depicted kneeling in prayer, his head tilted back and arms outstretched towards a luminous apparition in the sky. A radiant cross, emanating from a glowing sky bathed in light, descends towards him. The background features a dark, rocky landscape with trees, and in the distance, another friar is visible, witnessing the event.
The painting captures a pivotal moment from the life of Saint Francis, symbolizing divine intervention and his profound spiritual connection. The stigmata, representing the wounds of Christ, are suggested on the hands of Saint Francis, marking him as a spiritual mirror of Jesus. The interplay of light and shadow creates a dramatic and awe-inspiring atmosphere, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the event and Saint Franciss deep devotion and suffering for his faith. The presence of the secondary friar highlights the power of this experience and its impact on those who witnessed it, underscoring themes of spiritual ecstasy, sacrifice, and divine grace.