Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata c. 1445 - 1450

Domenico Veneziano's "Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata" (c. 1445-1450) depicts the moment when Saint Francis of Assisi received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, on Mount La Verna. In the painting, Saint Francis kneels in prayer as a seraph appears above him, rays of light emanating from its wings and striking him with the wounds. The scene takes place in a mountainous landscape with a dramatic and atmospheric sky. This small-scale tempera panel exemplifies the artist's mastery of perspective and his ability to convey a sense of spiritual intensity. The work is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and a beautiful example of Early Renaissance art.