Roundel with Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata 1505 - 1515

This stained glass roundel depicts Saint Francis receiving the stigmata, crafted by Albrecht Dürer. The divine light radiates from the seraph, conveying an emotional intensity. The seraph, a symbol of purification and light, pierces Francis with the stigmata. This recalls earlier traditions, such as the Roman 'Sol Invictus,' where light embodies the divine and imperial power. This motif, charged with spiritual significance, recurs throughout art history. Consider how the gesture of supplication—Francis kneeling with outstretched arms—echoes across cultures. We find it in ancient Egyptian art, where figures raise their hands to the heavens, and later in Christian iconography, as a universal expression of humanity's yearning for connection with the divine. The image's emotional power lies in its ability to evoke a deep sense of devotion. We find here a powerful illustration of the cyclical recurrence of symbols, evolving through history and resonating with our collective memory.