A famous Italian painter and printmaker, Federico Barocci, also known as Fedorico Fiori or II Barocci was born around 1528-1535 in Urbino, Italy. He was a leading painter in Central Italy and paved the way for the famous Broque art style that came later. He emerged as the greatest young painter in the Mannerist style of the period and then he moved to Rome in 1548 where he studied the works of Raphael. Later he took his second trip to Rome when Pope Pius IV invited him to help in the decoration of the Vatican Belvedere Palace at Rome. He was also a master draughtsman who was inspired by many Renaissance artists like Raphael, Correggio, Jacopo Tintoretto, and Titian. He used a new approach to drawings, which allowed him to develop some rare painting techniques. He also developed a different art style that combined bright colors with figures in dramatic and lively poses. His works are known for their warmth, gentle expressions, and strong sense of spirituality.
The painting, "Saint Francis" was created between 1600-1604 by Federico Barocci. The painting shows that Saint Francis is receiving a stigmata while standing a grotto on Mount Laverna. The figure is shown in a state of deep meditation, kneeling and holding the marks of Christ in his hands which is represented by the nails bulging from his left hand. The setting is both wild and sacred like the rough stone walls of the cavern. Saint Francis has an open book in front of him, which contains a Latin prayer and the Pater Noster which is the Lord's Prayer, and he is gazing up at the crucifix, surrounded by the darkness of the cave. In the background, water can be seen past the mountains with a setting sun. The primary light source in this painting is coming from the right side, which illuminates Saint Francis robe as well as the open book. This all contributes towards a sense of mystical withdrawal. The late-Mannerist/early-Baroque style can be easily seen in this painting. The eyes of the figure looks lifelike and the hair appears soft and touchable. The way that the artist drew the draperies of the robe of the saint make it look more realistic and soft. The artist deeply focused on the light, details, and psychological depth which represents the emotional expression of the Baroque period. The artist used warm brown and gentle earthly colors. The brushwork is smooth and delicate, creating calm and realistic appearance.
Barocci's "Saint Francis" is a depiction of spirituality, divine vision, and mysticism of communion with Christ. This can be seen in the pose of the figure, which kneels and looks up, having stigmata. The dark grotto indicates seclusion and spirituality, while the light illuminating the saint and prayer book implies grace and enlightenment. The crucifix and Pater Noster demonstrate the depth of his devotion, and at the same time, the distant mountain range and the setting sun connect his personal spiritual experience with the beauty of nature. All the features of Barocci’s painting, such as soft colors, realistic details, facial expression, and dramatic use of lighting, indicate that it combines late Mannerism and Baroque styles.
