Stigmatisatie van heilige Franciscus 1634 - 1693

This is Jonas Umbach's "Stigmatization of Saint Francis," an etching of around 1650. Notice how Umbach uses the stark contrast of dark lines against the light paper to create a dramatic scene. Saint Francis is kneeling, his body forming a diagonal line that cuts through the composition, drawing our eyes immediately to him. The lines etched into the plate create textures that give depth to the clouds, foliage, and the saint's rough habit. The stigmata are represented by delicate lines extending from a winged figure above, almost like threads connecting the divine and the mortal. The background, with its distant buildings and serene landscape, offers a stark contrast to the intense, personal moment of Saint Francis's spiritual experience. This contrast—between the detailed foreground and the softer background—forces a visual tension that mirrors the inner turmoil and spiritual ecstasy of the saint, whose experience transcends the earthly realm. The formal elements here are not merely decorative; they are intrinsic to the narrative and the emotional impact of the artwork.