Stigmatization of Saint Francis of Assisi
n.d.
Medium
Red chalk and pen and brown ink, with brush and brown and gray wash, and touches of black chalk, on tan laid paper, laid down on tan laid paper
Dimensions
30.1 × 21.7 cm (11 7/8 × 8 9/16 in.)
Classification
chalk with ink
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
4121
Art Historical Context
Behold the *Stigmatization of Saint Francis of Assisi*, a captivating drawing from the Art Institute of Chicago's Prints and Drawings collection. This undated work by an unknown artist depicts the miraculous moment in 1224 when Saint Francis, founder of the Franciscan order, received the stigmata—the wounds of Christ—while in prayer on Mount La Verna. Such scenes were immensely popular in Christian art, symbolizing divine favor and spiritual ecstasy, and inspired countless devotees across centuries. Crafted on tan laid paper with a rich array of techniques—red chalk for vibrant modeling, pen ...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...