View in the Lower Church of San Francesco, Assisi 1876

Carolus-Duran's "View in the Lower Church of San Francesco, Assisi" (1876) offers a glimpse into the lower church of the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, Italy. The painting focuses on the intricate stone staircase, its steps receding into the depths of the dimly lit space. This work, executed in a painterly style, captures the atmospheric quality of the church, emphasizing the play of light and shadow within the architectural space. The painting exemplifies the artist's interest in capturing the essence of a particular scene, conveying the atmosphere and mood rather than a detailed representation of the physical world.