Franciscus van Assisi ontvangt stigmata van Christus 1623 - 1660

Editor: This is Pieter de Bailliu's "Franciscus van Assisi ontvangt stigmata van Christus," an engraving dating between 1623 and 1660. The landscape seems to mirror the saint's spiritual ecstasy. What stands out to you in this piece? Curator: The raw emotion is striking, wouldn't you agree? But let's delve into the context. This engraving, with its Baroque drama, comes at a time of intense religious and political upheaval. Think of the Counter-Reformation and the rising power of print culture. How does the relatively widespread distribution of engravings like these impact how we understand St. Francis, who lived centuries prior? Editor: It definitely makes his story more accessible, more immediate. But what about the stigmatism itself? Is there anything we should know about this topic that might be controversial? Curator: Precisely. The representation of the stigmatism – these holy wounds – becomes a powerful tool. We see Francis as a figure of both intense suffering, but also unwavering devotion. Whose narrative, ultimately, do you think this image serves? Editor: Maybe it served the church, reaffirming the power of faith. And Saint Francis, of course. To make him the epitome of commitment. Curator: Indeed. The very act of seeing and sharing images of suffering became an act of worship. And looking at this engraving in our current social climate prompts me to consider the power of visual representations to shape collective emotions and beliefs, doesn’t it? Editor: That’s interesting. I hadn't considered the broader implications of repeated images of faith. Thank you for that insight!