Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
Here we see Saint Francis kneeling in prayer with his hands clasped as he cradles a skull.
Skulls were often used as a ‘memento mori’ to depict contemplations on Christ’s crucifixion and our own mortality.
The original painter, Francisco de Zurbaran, was known as the Spanish Caravaggio as his style often incorporated a dramatic use of light and shade. Many of his works depict monks, nuns, and martyrs.
The painting is signed in the lower right and also bears the name Zurbaran in the lower left.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Size: 18” x 13” / 45cm x 33cm
Year of creation: c. 1880
Provenance: France
Condition: Very good. Craquelure in areas but the paint layer is stable.
Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 19th Century.
Exquisite antique paintings that capture the imagination.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Brave Fine Art Profile Page
After Francisco De Zurbaran, Saint Francis in Meditation
