Saint Francis By Federico Barocci


The painting of Saint Francis by Federico Barocci was painted circa 1600- 1604. The medium used in this painting is oil on canvas. Its dimensions are 35 3/8 by 30 7/8 in. This painting can be found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The painting shows Saint Francis standing a grotto on Mount Laverna, where he receives the stigmata. We can see the nails protruding from his left hand. In front of Saint Francis we see an open book, which contains a Latin prayer and the Pater Noster (Our Father), which is the Lord's Prayer. In the background we see Jesus up on the cross. There is a landscape background and water can be seen past the mountains with a setting sun. The primary light source in this painting comes in from the right side, which illuminates Saint Francis robe as well as the open book.

This painting was done at the beginning of the Baroque period. The Baroque style favored exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, happiness and grandeur. By looking at the picture we can see that it is defiantly a product of the Baroque era in that Barocci paid very close attention to the details that he painted. Lets take for example Saint Francis' face. His eyes look incredibly life like and they even look as if he might be tearing up a little but the glossy look of his eye. We are able to see a glisten of his teeth through his mustache. Even the hair on his head appears soft and touchable.

Barocci worked through the Mannerist period into the Baroque. He stays true to the Mannerist tradition in the way that he paints the fabric of Saint Francis robe. Barrocci is known for his draperies as well as his delicate use of color. We can see this in the way the light is reflected on Saint Francis robe as well as his face. Jesus is also beautiful painted. His body is illuminated by the light source of the painting. Yet his face is partially hidden in the shadow.

Over all I think this is a powerful and moving painting. The expression on Saint Francis face and his gaze gives an almost pained and shocked feeling to the painting. There is plenty of emotion behind the gaze. He looks as though he could be in mid prayer.

Ornella Sookhlal

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