An antique painting on canvas, a sketch, depicting St. Francis of Assisi -

This painting depicts Saint Francis of Assisi in a moment of prayer or ecstasy, an iconographic theme that was very popular during the 17th and 18th centuries. The composition is rendered in a circular format, known as a tondo, which highlights the saint kneeling in the brown habit typical of the Franciscan order. The painting is set within a circular frame, a shape that suggests it may have been intended for private devotion. This is the Ecstasy of Saint Francis (or “Saint Francis in Prayer”), depicted in a dark natural setting or a cave, symbols of spiritual isolation and meditation. Attribution: A very similar version in a tondo format has been attributed to Cavalier Borgognone (Jacques Courtois, 1621–1676), an artist known for his battle scenes as well as religious works. 17th-century Venetian or Emilian school. The saint is recognizable by his simple habit and beard. Elements such as a skull (memento mori), a sacred book, or the stigmata on his hands are often present in these depictions. The strong contrast between light and shadow (chiaroscuro) reflects the influence of Caravaggism and Italian Baroque painting, aimed at conveying a profound sense of devotion and dramatic tension. The frame is antique with original gilding; the canvas is unmounted on a wooden support. Dimensions: frame diameter 24 cm - canvas diameter 15.5 cm