Caravaggio - Saint Francis in Meditation 1606
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Saint Francis in Meditation 1606
130x90cm oil/canvas
Museo Civico Ala Ponzone, Cremona, Italy
The image is only being used for informational and educational purposes
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This is one of two paintings of almost identical measurements showing Saint Francis of Assisi contemplating a skull (see Saint Francis in Prayer) - neither is documented and both are disputed, although the dispute is as to whether they are originals or copies. The dating of both is highly uncertain, although the cypress trunk behind this Saint Francis is very reminiscent of the tree behind the Corsini John the Baptist. St Francis was a popular subject during the Counter-Reformation, when the Church stressed - at least officially - the virtues of poverty and the imitation of Christ.