Saint Francis of Assisi receiving the stigmata 1580 - 1600

Johann Sadeler I created this engraving, "Saint Francis of Assisi receiving the stigmata," around the late 16th century, a period marked by religious fervor and reformation. This image captures a pivotal moment in the life of Saint Francis, a figure whose devotion transcended social norms. It was during this era, and in the centuries since, that the narratives of saints served as powerful tools for shaping religious identity, offering examples of piety and sacrifice. Look closely, and you will see Saint Francis kneeling in a humble pose, his face upturned in divine communion, as he receives the stigmata. This bestowing of Christ’s wounds marks him as a direct recipient of divine grace, blurring the lines between the earthly and the celestial. The landscape around him seems to participate in this sacred event, with nature itself bearing witness to the miraculous. "Saint Francis of Assisi receiving the stigmata" invites us to contemplate the intertwined nature of suffering, faith, and the pursuit of spiritual transcendence.