St. Francis

Art Historical Context

Behold *St. Francis*, a 17th-century engraving with etching from the Metropolitan Museum Art's Drawings and Prints collection. Attributed to engravers Herman Weyen and Nicolas Pitau, likely after a design by the French Baroque painter Laurent de Hyre, this undated print (n.d.) captures the humble saint in a moment of devotion. Measuring 16 15/16 x 11 inches, it exemplifies the collaborative artistry of the Baroque era, where painters' compositions were translated into prints for broader audiences. The medium—engraving combined with etching—allowed for intricate lines and subtle tones. Engraving's precise incisions into a copper plate created bold contours, while etching's acid-bitten lines added softness and depth, ideal for conveying St. Francis's serene spirituality. Prints like this were vital in the 1600s, disseminating religious imagery across Europe amid the Catholic Counter-Reformation, making sacred figures accessible to the faithful. St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and nature, embodies humility and divine love, resonating through centuries. Acquired via the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1953, this work invites visitors to appreciate the technical mastery and devotional power of Baroque printmaking.

About the Artist

Herman Weyen|Laurent de La Hyre|Nicolas Pitau (Flemish|French) · 1600 |1602 –1672 |1676

Flemish, died Paris, 1672|French, Tours 1602/04–1676 Paris