The Death of St. Francis 1485

Domenico Ghirlandaio painted this fresco of “The Death of St. Francis” in the late 15th century. Dominating the image is the deceased saint, his body arranged for viewing, surrounded by mourners. But look closely at St. Francis's hands and feet. Do you notice the dark marks? These are the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, which St. Francis miraculously received. This motif is not merely representational; it’s a potent symbol linking St. Francis directly to the suffering and sacrifice of Christ. The stigmata as a visual symbol has roots in earlier depictions of crucifixion, but here, it transcends mere imitation. It speaks to a deeper, empathetic connection, a desire to participate in the divine tragedy. Over time, the motif of stigmata reappears in various forms, sometimes literal, sometimes metaphorical, always serving to evoke a sense of profound spiritual resonance. This image draws upon our collective memory, engaging viewers on a subconscious level with the powerful, cyclical drama of sacrifice and redemption.