Angel Appearing to Saint Francis of Assisi, with Saint John the Baptist in the Background (recto); Saint Francis Supported by Two Angels, with Sketch of Upper Portion of Monk's Habit n.d.

This ink drawing depicts Saint Francis of Assisi receiving divine visitors, with Saint John the Baptist standing in the background. The prominent stigmata on Saint Francis's hands mark him as chosen, reflecting his profound connection to Christ. This motif, deeply rooted in Christian mysticism, signifies not just physical wounds, but a spiritual alignment with divine suffering. The gesture echoes across centuries, harking back to images of crucified gods in ancient mystery religions. Observe how the soft, ethereal rendering of the angels contrasts with the rough, earthly portrayal of Saint Francis. This dichotomy reflects the interplay between the divine and the mortal. Notice how similar imagery of winged figures also appeared in ancient Greece, adorning pottery and sculptures, initially representing victory and swiftness, evolving into messengers of the gods. Such cyclical recurrence underscores the enduring power of symbols, their emotional resonance echoing through time. The collective subconscious recognizes and responds to these archetypes, reminding us of our shared human experience across epochs.