St. Francis 1620 - 1953

Nicolas Pitau created this print of St. Francis, now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, using engraving. The neutral palette focuses our attention on the stark lines and textures defining the saint's figure and the architectural backdrop. This creates a study in contrasts between the smooth, flowing lines of St. Francis’s robe and the rigid, geometric pattern of the wall. Pitau masterfully employs line to convey depth and emotion. The saint's gaze, directed upwards, creates a sense of spiritual yearning, reinforced by the open, welcoming gesture of his hands. The engraving technique captures the rough texture of the Franciscan habit, contrasting it with the smooth surfaces of the stone pedestal. The composition invites us to reflect on the interplay between the earthly and the divine, challenging fixed notions of religious iconography. The print thus becomes more than a depiction; it is an invitation to contemplate the structural elements that shape our understanding.