H. Franciscus van Assisi ontvangt de stigmata 1861 - 1889

"H. Franciscus van Assisi ontvangt de stigmata" is an engraving by William Unger, created in the 19th century. Unger, working within a long tradition of religious art, here captures a pivotal moment in the life of Saint Francis. This work exists within the context of 19th-century Europe. The rise of Romanticism encouraged a focus on emotion, spirituality, and the individual's relationship with the divine. Unger presents Francis as deeply devoted and in communion with God. We see Francis kneeling, his arms raised, and his face illuminated by divine light as he receives the stigmata. It’s important to consider how Unger's identity and beliefs shaped his interpretation of this scene. As a European male artist working within established religious traditions, Unger’s representation reinforces the narrative of Saint Francis. We are invited to contemplate themes of faith, sacrifice, and divine grace. In contemplating this piece, we might think about the power of faith, the nature of sacrifice, and the complex relationship between the individual and the divine.