H. Franciscus c. 1579 - 1615

Dominicus Custos created this engraving of Saint Franciscus sometime between 1575 and 1615. During this time the Catholic Church experienced the Counter-Reformation, where they sought to reaffirm their doctrines, and the imagery associated with them, against the rise of Protestantism. This image of St. Francis invites us to consider the themes of spiritual devotion and self-sacrifice. Francis's simple tunic and the cross he holds symbolize his commitment to poverty and faith, core tenets of the Franciscan order. The halo affirms his sanctity, an assertion of the Catholic Church. The inscription, "Mibi mundus crucifixus est: et ego mundo," translates to "The world is crucified to me, and I to the world," encapsulating the ideal of detachment from worldly concerns. Custos’s engraving encourages a reflection on the intersections of faith, identity, and the renunciation of worldly values. It leaves us contemplating how these themes resonate within our own lives.