Title: Vision of Saint Francis

Artist: Unknown (South German School)
Date: Circa 1840
Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 81 × 70 cm
Signature: Unsigned
Condition Report:

• Overall craquelure (cracking of the paint surface)
• Peeling in several areas
• Older restoration present
• Age-related damages

Description:

This South German religious painting, dating to around 1840, depicts the vision of Saint Francis, a deeply spiritual moment where Saint Francis is seen in prayer before the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. The composition exudes reverence, with the humble posture of Saint Francis reflecting devotion and surrender to divine grace.

Executed in oil on canvas, the painting features rich yet softened color tones, characteristic of 19th-century ecclesiastical artwork. The brushwork suggests a blend of Baroque influence with the emerging Romantic sentiment, emphasizing religious emotion and transcendence.

Though unsigned, the work showcases fine craftsmanship typical of South German religious painters of the time. It is presented in a frame and has undergone an older restoration. However, age-related damages, including paint cracking and areas of peeling, are visible, which add to its historical authenticity and antique charm.

About the South German Religious Tradition:

During the 19th century, Southern Germany maintained a strong tradition of religious artwork, influenced by Baroque and Rococo styles that had flourished in the region. Paintings like this were commonly found in monasteries, chapels, and private devotional spaces, serving as visual aids for prayer and contemplation.