Saint Francis Consoled by the Musical Angel
- Date
- 1595
- Material
- Engraving
- Classification
- Prints
- Collection
- Prints, Drawings, and Photographs
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- image: 12 3/16 x 9 7/16 in. (31 x 24 cm)
sheet: 12 3/16 x 9 7/16 in. (31 x 24 cm) - Credit Line
- The Sidney S. and Sadie Cohen Print Purchase Fund
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 4:1974
NOTES
In this engraving, Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/2–1226) is captured deep in a mystical vision that occurred the year before his death. He wished unselfishly for music to distract him from his deep pain and suffering, and was rewarded with the moment depicted here. We see him transported outside of his physical body into the realm of Christ’s suffering. His expression echoes that of the crucified Christ, whose image appears on his shoulder. This representation of expressive suffering was intended as a stimulus to meditation.
Depictions of Saint Francis, called the most Christ-like of saints, were popular and varied in the late 16th century. Distinctive visionary moments from his life were favored over his worldly deeds.
Depictions of Saint Francis, called the most Christ-like of saints, were popular and varied in the late 16th century. Distinctive visionary moments from his life were favored over his worldly deeds.
Provenance
1666 -
Pierre Mariette II (1634-1716), Paris, France [1]
A. Bourduge, France (- c.1800) [2]
F. Abbott, Edinburgh, Scotland (c.1850-1900) [3]
Fountaine Walker, Inverness, Scotland (c.1850-1900) [4]
- 1974
David Tunick, Inc., Old Master and Modern Prints, New York, NY, USA
1974 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from David Tunick, Inc. [5]
Notes:
[1] Pierre Mariette II's signature [Lugt 1787-1790] and the date "1666" appear on the verso of the print. Mariette was head, after his father Pierre I, of a family firm of print dealers and connoisseurs. He signed and dated his prints at the time he acquired them (see Lugt 1788-1790).
[2] A. Bourduge's intials appear in script on the verso of the print [Lugt 70].
[3] F. Abbott's stamp appears on the verso of the print [Lugt 970].
[4] Fountaine Walker's signature appears on the verso of the print [Lugt 2545].
[5] Invoice dated April 17, 1974 [SLAM document files]. Minutes of a Meeting of the Acquisitions Committee of the Board of Trustees, Saint Louis Art Museum, April 16, 1974.
Pierre Mariette II (1634-1716), Paris, France [1]
A. Bourduge, France (- c.1800) [2]
F. Abbott, Edinburgh, Scotland (c.1850-1900) [3]
Fountaine Walker, Inverness, Scotland (c.1850-1900) [4]
- 1974
David Tunick, Inc., Old Master and Modern Prints, New York, NY, USA
1974 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from David Tunick, Inc. [5]
Notes:
[1] Pierre Mariette II's signature [Lugt 1787-1790] and the date "1666" appear on the verso of the print. Mariette was head, after his father Pierre I, of a family firm of print dealers and connoisseurs. He signed and dated his prints at the time he acquired them (see Lugt 1788-1790).
[2] A. Bourduge's intials appear in script on the verso of the print [Lugt 70].
[3] F. Abbott's stamp appears on the verso of the print [Lugt 970].
[4] Fountaine Walker's signature appears on the verso of the print [Lugt 2545].
[5] Invoice dated April 17, 1974 [SLAM document files]. Minutes of a Meeting of the Acquisitions Committee of the Board of Trustees, Saint Louis Art Museum, April 16, 1974.
We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.