The Last Communion of Saint Francis of Assisi 1619

Curator: Standing before us is Peter Paul Rubens’ monumental oil painting, "The Last Communion of Saint Francis of Assisi," created in 1619. Editor: It's striking – the somber atmosphere is palpable, even with Rubens' characteristic dynamism. There’s almost a tension between the spiritual moment and the sheer physicality of Saint Francis’ suffering body. Curator: Rubens masterfully stages this final sacrament, using dramatic lighting to guide our gaze towards Saint Francis. But it's important to remember that the depiction of Saint Francis wasn’t simply an act of religious devotion; it resonated with socio-political ideas concerning poverty and obedience at the time, did it not? Editor: Absolutely. The Catholic Church in the 17th century faced accusations of worldly excess from Protestants, and artists like Rubens frequently portrayed saints exemplifying piety as a form of what we would now call soft propaganda. There is clear messaging in imagery like this, isn't there? Consider how the saint’s vulnerability contrasts against the opulence of the clergy’s robes or the cherubic display overhead. The staging is impeccable. Curator: Speaking of the clergy, look at the expressions on their faces, reflecting a blend of compassion and concern. Also note Rubens' choice of a diverse cast of onlookers, creating a more inclusive image of the Church – a detail of no small importance at a time of intense social stratification and sectarian conflict. How would that have affected viewers in, say, Antwerp? Editor: The effect is powerful. Rubens aimed to depict not just an event, but also an ideal, emphasizing how institutions wield cultural power in negotiating spiritual and even political truths. Curator: Indeed. Through composition, colour and carefully calibrated emotion, he shaped and affirmed core tenets of faith for a public audience within a specifically Counter-Reformation context. Rubens used his talent to give these institutional aspirations an alluringly human form. Editor: Reflecting upon the complexities layered within "The Last Communion," I now have an even greater appreciation for how art mirrors its contemporary moment, speaking not only about its subject but the systems of authority at play. Curator: Agreed. Art invites such conversations. It helps us confront historical realities with contemporary lenses and reassess enduring values in our changing world.