Leven van de heilige Franciscus van Assisi 1604

Editor: This engraving from 1604, "Life of Saint Francis of Assisi," presents the saint encircled by scenes from his life. The composition feels almost like a comic strip telling a story. What do you make of it? Curator: What immediately strikes me is the almost Byzantine quality despite its Baroque styling. It is almost like a triptych condensed into one panel, calling to mind stained glass windows with depictions of biblical events. Look at Francis: he’s the anchor, centrally placed, emanating a specific serenity, his open hand a visual invitation. Do you sense that tension between movement and stillness? Editor: Definitely, the scenes are active, while he is much calmer. Why this juxtaposition? Curator: Each scene represents an episode or a symbol in his life. For example, to the right is the scene in which he receives stigmata. Look at Francis again. He bears a cross but is haloed; it mirrors the glory of heaven, which visually links earthly suffering to redemption and divine grace. It is a potent spiritual statement, all coded in familiar visual iconography. Editor: It is interesting how consistent some of the symbols are throughout time. Curator: Indeed. It's a visual language, continuously evolving, yet echoing its past. Understanding this lets us decode stories of faith, power, and humanity itself. I’d suggest the question isn't only, "What does it mean?" but "What did it mean, then? What does it mean, now?" Editor: Thank you. It is amazing to see how those symbols evolve and transform across cultures. Curator: Precisely, the engraving speaks to our cultural memory, linking our past to the present through resonant imagery.