Domenico Beccafumi (1486-1551) – Saint Francis of Assisi Receiving the Stigmata Part 6 Louvre

The composition presents a dramatic scene unfolding within a rugged, mountainous landscape. A central figure, clad in a brown monastic habit and with a shaved head, kneels on uneven ground, his body angled towards the right of the frame. His posture is one of intense supplication; he raises an arm as if reaching for something beyond his grasp, his gaze fixed upwards. The gesture conveys both reverence and a palpable sense of suffering or spiritual torment.
To the right, another figure, similarly dressed in monastic attire, sits on a simple chair positioned near a stone structure that appears to be part of a larger building or ruin. This secondary figure observes the central event with an expression difficult to decipher – perhaps contemplation, concern, or even awe. The spatial relationship between them suggests a witness to a profound and private moment.
Above the kneeling man, suspended in mid-air, is a vibrant red object resembling a stylized wing or banner. It appears to be connected to him by what looks like an invisible force or line of energy, drawing the viewers attention upwards. The color’s intensity contrasts sharply with the muted earth tones dominating the rest of the scene, creating a focal point that amplifies the sense of otherworldly intervention.
The landscape itself is rendered in a manner that emphasizes its harshness and isolation. Jagged peaks rise into a hazy sky, while rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation contribute to an atmosphere of austerity. The ground appears uneven and treacherous, further underscoring the vulnerability of the kneeling figure.
A small, red cloth lies discarded on the ground near his knees, adding another layer of symbolic complexity. It could represent sacrifice, loss, or a relinquishing of earthly possessions. The overall effect is one of profound spiritual experience, tinged with pain and isolation, set against a backdrop of imposing natural grandeur. The artist seems to be exploring themes of divine grace, suffering, and the transformative power of faith through carefully orchestrated gestures, color contrasts, and a starkly rendered environment.