H. Franciscus 1747

Aert Schouman rendered this image of Saint Francis using etching. Immediately, our eyes are drawn to the skull, a memento mori, resting near the saint. This symbol, stark and universal, reminds us of the fleeting nature of life, a theme deeply rooted in Christian art. The skull's presence is not isolated; we see it echoed in other works throughout time. In ancient Roman art, similar symbols were used to invoke contemplation of mortality. Consider, too, the vanitas paintings of the Dutch Golden Age, where skulls are surrounded by objects representing earthly pleasures, all destined to decay. The enduring presence of the skull speaks to a collective subconscious preoccupation with death. This image is not merely a representation; it's a powerful engagement with our deepest fears and anxieties, surfacing time and again. The way Francis stares upwards, a gesture suggesting divine connection, creates a visual and emotional dialogue between earthly mortality and spiritual hope. This motif of the skull as a reminder of death and an urging to spiritual life has resurfaced and evolved, taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.