St. Francis Xavier Dying at Sancian 

Giovanni Battista Gaulli captured the death of St. Francis Xavier on canvas, immortalizing the saint amidst a host of cherubic figures and symbols of earthly and divine connection. The radiant light enveloping Xavier signifies not only divine grace but echoes the visual language of apotheosis found in classical antiquity. Note the posture of the dying saint, reminiscent of a classical hero laid bare, awaiting celestial ascension. The cherubs mirror the putti of the Renaissance, yet their presence here transcends mere decoration. The motif of a saint ascending to heaven finds resonance in countless works, each iteration molded by its cultural milieu. This visual trope, charged with layers of meaning, serves as a potent reminder of our collective yearning for transcendence. It highlights how symbols persist, transformed by the currents of history.