Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata Antoniazzo Romano (1430/35-1508)

The composition presents a scene steeped in religious fervor and profound suffering. Here we observe a central figure kneeling on a rocky outcrop, his posture conveying both reverence and agony. His hands are raised towards a luminous apparition descending from the heavens; visible upon his own body are wounds mirroring those of Christ – the stigmata. The artist has rendered these marks as deep crimson gashes, stark against the pale fabric of the man’s habit.
To the left, another figure, similarly clad in monastic robes, witnesses this event. His face is contorted in a mixture of horror and awe, his hands raised to shield his eyes from the spectacle unfolding before him. A small lamb rests at the feet of the kneeling man, an emblem often associated with Christ’s sacrifice and innocence.
The landscape serves as a backdrop that reinforces the spiritual weight of the moment. The terrain is rugged and uneven, suggesting a difficult path toward enlightenment. In the distance, a walled town sits nestled within rolling hills, hinting at the world from which this man has withdrawn to pursue a life of devotion. A lone figure walks along a winding road towards the town, perhaps representing those who remain tethered to earthly concerns.
The apparition itself is depicted as a radiant Christ-figure, suspended in mid-air and bearing the wounds of crucifixion. The intense luminosity emanating from this form draws the viewer’s eye and underscores its divine nature. The artist has employed a dramatic use of light and shadow to heighten the emotional impact of the scene, emphasizing the contrast between the earthly suffering of the kneeling man and the heavenly grace being bestowed upon him.
Subtly woven into the narrative is an exploration of faith, sacrifice, and the profound connection between human devotion and divine experience. The presence of the witness suggests that this event is not merely a private revelation but a public demonstration of spiritual power. The landscape elements contribute to a sense of isolation and introspection, emphasizing the solitary nature of religious commitment. Ultimately, the painting conveys a powerful message about the possibility of achieving union with the divine through suffering and unwavering faith.