De heilige Franciscus ontvangt de stigmata 1616 - 1680

Giovanni Francesco Grimaldi etched "The Stigmatization of Saint Francis." Here, the saint kneels, arms outstretched, as divine rays pierce him. Francis's pose, echoing the crucified Christ, evokes earlier iconic imagery where gestures speak volumes about suffering and sacrifice. The skull at the foot of the cross is not a mere memento mori but a symbol traversing centuries and cultures. It links the saint's spiritual ordeal to the universal contemplation of mortality. Recall similar motifs in vanitas paintings—skulls juxtaposed with worldly items. These serve as potent reminders of life's transience. This symbol also carries a psychological weight. It taps into our collective subconscious, reminding us of our mortality and the spiritual quests we undertake. The cyclical nature of symbols reminds us that art isn't linear. Instead, it's an echo chamber where gestures and objects gain new resonance through time.