Joos van Cleve – Retable of the Deposition, detail; lunette, Stigmatization of St. Francis Part 2 Louvre

The composition unfolds within a lunette format, immediately establishing a sense of elevated significance and spiritual transcendence. Here we see a central figure, presumably a cleric, positioned in a dynamic pose; his arms are raised towards the sky, his body seemingly lifted off the ground by an unseen force. The drapery of his habit billows outwards, contributing to this impression of upward movement and emphasizing the dramatic nature of the event unfolding. His face is marked with an expression that blends pain and profound acceptance, suggesting a moment of intense spiritual revelation.
The background landscape provides a detailed setting for this encounter. A broad vista stretches out behind the cleric, encompassing rolling hills dotted with scattered settlements and livestock. The inclusion of these everyday details grounds the scene in a recognizable reality while simultaneously creating depth and perspective. A body of water reflects the sky, adding to the sense of spaciousness and tranquility. Distant mountains rise on the horizon, reinforcing the feeling of vastness and perhaps symbolizing spiritual aspiration.
Above the cleric, suspended against the cloudy sky, is another figure – a smaller, winged form that appears to be descending towards him. This figure bears a distinct resemblance to an angel or a celestial messenger, carrying what seems to be instruments of suffering – a crown of thorns and a lance. The positioning of this figure directly above the cleric suggests a divine intervention, a moment of direct contact between the earthly realm and the spiritual one.
To the right of the central figure stands another individual, also clad in religious garb. This person appears to be observing the scene with an expression of awe and perhaps fear. Their posture is more grounded than that of the cleric, suggesting a witness rather than a participant in this extraordinary event. The rocky outcrop upon which they stand further emphasizes their separation from the central action.
The painting’s subtexts revolve around themes of divine suffering, spiritual revelation, and the nature of faith. The depiction of the stigmatic wounds – implied by the descending figure – alludes to Christs Passion and suggests a parallel between the cleric’s experience and Christ’s sacrifice. The landscape, while seemingly idyllic, serves as a backdrop for an intensely personal and potentially painful spiritual encounter. The inclusion of the observing figure introduces a layer of human perspective, prompting contemplation on the nature of witnessing faith and the challenges of understanding divine mysteries. Ultimately, the work explores the intersection of the physical and spiritual realms, inviting viewers to consider the profound implications of direct divine contact.