H. Franciscus lezend in een grot 1644 - 1652

This etching, created by Wenceslaus Hollar between 1644 and 1652, depicts St. Franciscus reading in a cave. The detailed depiction of St. Franciscus, seated in a cave, illuminated by a small oil lamp, is a powerful example of Hollar's ability to capture both the physical world and the spiritual devotion of his subject. Hollar was known for his mastery of etching, a technique that he used to create detailed and intricate images. The presence of a skull and crucifix in the background serve as powerful reminders of mortality and the importance of faith. This artwork is now part of the Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam.