The Death of St. Francis Xavier c. 1750

"The Death of St. Francis Xavier" is a small, 18th-century painting by Veronica Stern, depicting the death of the missionary and saint, Francis Xavier, as he is being carried away to Heaven by angels. The scene is full of drama and symbolism, with St. Francis laying in repose, surrounded by celestial beings. Stern utilizes dramatic lighting and rich color to bring this religious subject to life.