The Death of St. Francis
1884
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1884
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This etching shows a group of robed men gathered around a dying person lying on the ground. One man kneels beside him, holding his hand, while others stand nearby, some with their hands clasped or raised. The scene looks rough, with simple trees and grass in the background. The artist used deep shadows and strong lines to show the weight of the moment. The figures’ robes and the ground look almost textured, like you could feel the fabric or the dirt. Next, check out chiaroscuro to see how light and shadow create drama in art.
