ANGELICO, Fra
(b. ca. 1400, Vicchio nell Mugello, d. 1455, Roma)

St Francis Receiving the Stigmata

c. 1440
Tempera on wood, 28 x 33 cm
Pinacoteca, Vatican

In a landscape composed of sharp-edged rocks evoking the rough countryside surrounding the hermitage at Verna, Saint Francis kneels in ecstasy before Christ in the form of an angel. From the wounds of Christ on this cross spring rays that imprint the stigmata on Francis' hands, his feet, and his side. On the right, Brother Leone, seated with his shoulders against the chapel walls, is awakened by the blinding light of the apparition.

It is assumed that this panel of unknown origin was part of a predella.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 33 minutes):
Michael Haydn: St Francis Mass