S. Francis c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jonas Umbach's "S. Francis," an etching, from the 17th century. The figure of St. Francis, contemplating a skull, certainly evokes a feeling of somber reflection. What symbols or recurring motifs do you see at play here? Curator: The skull is a powerful memento mori, a reminder of death's inevitability. Note how the light falls on the crucifix in the background, juxtaposed with the darkness around Francis. Do you think this is a contrast of life and death? Editor: Perhaps, or maybe the earthly and divine? It seems like Umbach is using familiar symbols to explore those tensions. Curator: Precisely. The iconography here is deeply embedded in cultural memory, triggering reflection on mortality and spiritual transcendence. Understanding these symbols opens a window into the anxieties and beliefs of the time. Editor: I'll certainly look at these subjects differently from now on. Thank you!