Death of Saint Francis Xavier 1724 - 1734

This drawing by Giacinto Gimignani depicts the death of Saint Francis Xavier. The drawing is dated 1724–1734, even though Gimignani died in 1681. Therefore, this drawing is a later copy by an unknown artist, based on a work by Gimignani. It shows the saint, who died in 1552 while traveling to China as a missionary, surrounded by angels as he ascends into heaven. The scene is a depiction of the Catholic belief that holy individuals are granted a triumphant ascent into Heaven. This drawing, made using pen and brown ink, is a testament to the continued popularity of the saint's life and the influence of Baroque religious art in the 18th century.