Saint Francis c. 1615

This oil on canvas, by Peter Paul Rubens, portrays Saint Francis with a profound intensity. The saint clutches a crucifix, his arms crossed in a gesture of acceptance. The motif of crossed arms, or hands, can be traced back through history, and is associated with mourning, reverence, or humility, depending on its context. In ancient Egyptian funerary art, for example, the deceased are often depicted with arms crossed over their chest. The cross itself is a symbol resonant with diverse meanings that long predates Christianity. The psychological resonance of the image lies in its ability to evoke empathy. We, as viewers, are invited to participate in Francis’s deep contemplation of mortality. This symbolism is not static; it evolves, carrying echoes of past uses while adapting to new cultural and spiritual landscapes. It resurfaces, transformed but still echoing its origins, in an ongoing, cyclical procession through the collective consciousness.