Who painted San Francisco de Assisi: santo de retablo?

San Francisco de Assisi: santo de retablo was painted by Unknown in 1700.

Where can I see San Francisco de Assisi: santo de retablo?

San Francisco de Assisi: santo de retablo is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is San Francisco de Assisi: santo de retablo?

San Francisco de Assisi: santo de retablo is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

San Francisco de Assisi: santo de retablo

Unknown , 1700

San Francisco de Assisi: santo de retablo is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1700 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work is a painted panel portraying a saint clothed in a long, richly patterned robe.

Accession no.: 1933.407
Credit line: Gift of Hugh Bryden McGill

About this work

Overview

The work is a painted panel portraying a saint clothed in a long, richly patterned robe. The figure stands within an oval composition framed by a gold border, set against a deep red background. In the right hand the saint grasps a cross, while a book rests in the left, and a small bird perches on the shoulder.

Subject & Meaning

The saint’s gentle expression and the inclusion of the cross and book suggest a dual emphasis on martyrdom and learning, common attributes in devotional imagery. The bird, often a symbol of the soul or the Holy Spirit, adds a layer of spiritual significance to the portrait.

Technique & Style

Executed with bold outlines and vivid coloration, the painting displays hallmarks of Baroque sensibility, particularly the use of chiaroscuro to model the figure’s face and hands. The contrast between illuminated areas and the surrounding darkness creates a three‑dimensional presence within the flat surface.

History & Provenance

Identified as a retable saint, the piece was likely intended for placement on an altar or side chapel. Its specific origin, patronage, and subsequent ownership remain undocumented in the available information.

Context

Baroque religious art often employed dramatic lighting and rich ornamentation to engage viewers emotionally. This painting’s composition, with its oval frame and gold edging, aligns with the period’s decorative conventions for ecclesiastical settings.