Heilige Franciscus van Assisi c. 1576 - 1624

Francesco Villamena etched this image of Saint Francis of Assisi, presenting us with symbols laden with cultural meaning. Francis kneels in prayer, hands clasped around a crucifix, tears streaming, next to a skull and an open book. Consider the skull, a memento mori. The ancients used this symbol, particularly during the Roman Empire, to remind victorious generals of their mortality amidst their triumphs. Here, the skull alongside Francis, a symbol of piety, transcends its original context. The skull is no longer just a reminder of death; it's an invitation to meditate on one's life and inevitable end. The act of Francis kneeling, head tilted towards the divine light, has roots in early Christian art and recurs in various forms across centuries. This posture signifies humility and supplication, evoking powerful emotional responses, inviting viewers to experience empathy and contemplation, and to engage with the divine on a subconscious level.