Scènes uit het leven van Heilige Franciscus van Assisi 1734

Editor: This engraving from 1734 by Bernard Picart, "Scenes from the Life of Saint Francis of Assisi," strikes me as quite theatrical. There's so much dramatic light and shadow, but also a feeling of distance from the scenes, perhaps because they are framed individually. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Indeed, the baroque style emphasizes emotional impact through visual drama. Picart utilizes potent imagery. Fire, of course, is central – think of purification, divine presence, but also potentially the fires of hell, temptation and ordeal. How are the figures interacting with the flames in each scene? Editor: In two of the quadrants the figures seem surrounded but protected by it, whereas another one contains no human figures, only floating angelic ones engulfed in fire. Curator: Exactly. The flames act as a visual language. What might the specific arrangements of figures and flames communicate about Saint Francis's life and spiritual trials? Consider the common understanding and symbols of Baroque-era spiritual life. What trials would St. Francis have encountered? Editor: Perhaps challenges to his faith? Material temptations? It looks as if he remains devoted despite everything around him being consumed. The angel quadrant looks as though souls are being cleansed. Curator: Precisely. The engravings encapsulate themes of faith tested and ultimately affirmed. Visual choices create multiple possible narratives to explore the deeper psychological underpinnings and aspirations of its intended audience. Editor: I see now how Picart uses those established symbols to convey the intensity of the Saint’s experiences and convey them so succinctly. Curator: By mastering this shared iconography, Picart provides a conduit to understanding Baroque-era spiritual sensibilities, so that we can interpret its nuanced representation of virtue and ordeal in the life of St. Francis.