Image 1 of 2
Image 2 of 2
Note on license: With your purchase, you are granted license by Paradise Found Studio LLC to print as needed for one school year. For the next year, place another order. There isn’t any fancy technology to restrict misuse, just the honor system.
Artist: Kevin Pawlowski (Georgia US, 1968- )
Title: St. Francis of Assisi
Medium: Oil paint on canvas
Size of Original: 16” x 20” x 3/4” (41cm x 51cm x 2cm)
Date: 2024
In Kevin Pawlowski's original oil painting of St. Francis of Assisi, the saint is depicted with a serene expression that radiates a sense of peace and compassion. The painting, executed in a contemporary realism style, captures intricate details that bring St. Francis to life while maintaining the visible brushwork that characterizes the genre. At a distance, the painting appears photographically realistic, but upon closer inspection, the strokes and textures of the oil paint become apparent, adding depth and movement to the image.
In the background, the San Damiano cross looms significantly. This cross, from which St. Francis reportedly heard the voice of Christ instructing him to "rebuild my Church," symbolizes his deep spiritual mission and transformative journey. The hole in St. Francis's hand, reminiscent of the stigmata, reflects his profound identification with the suffering of Christ and his commitment to living a life of humility and sacrifice. A bird perched on his shoulder alludes to his legendary ability to communicate with animals, embodying his role as the patron saint of ecology and his profound love for all God's creatures. Cradled gently in his arms, a dog represents loyalty and the bond between humans and animals, reinforcing St. Francis's message of kindness and care for all living beings.
Pawlowski's painting not only pays homage to the spiritual legacy of St. Francis but also invites viewers to contemplate the saint's message in the context of today's world. With its blend of lifelike detail and expressive brushwork, it serves to bridge the historical and the contemporary, making the timeless virtues of St. Francis accessible and relevant to a modern audience. The elements within the painting, from the San Damiano cross to the stigmata, bird, and dog, collectively narrate a story of devotion, empathy, and universal love.
The one-of-a-kind original or museum-quality giclée reproductions are available for purchase.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
About Saint Francis of Assisi…
Saint Francis of Assisi, born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181 or 1182, was an Italian Catholic friar, deacon, and mystic who founded the Order of Friars Minor, more commonly known as the Franciscans. Renowned for his profound humility, compassion, and love for all creatures, Saint Francis is one of the most venerated religious figures in Christianity. Born into a wealthy merchant family in Assisi, Italy, his early life was characterized by luxury and indulgence. However, after experiencing a spiritual awakening during a period of illness and captivity, he renounced his inheritance and embraced a life of poverty and service to the poor.
Saint Francis is particularly celebrated for his deep connection with nature and animals, which earned him the title of the patron saint of ecology. He viewed all creation as a reflection of God's glory and preached a message of peace, simplicity, and reverence for the natural world. His Canticle of the Sun, a hymn praising God's creation, exemplifies his spiritual vision and poetic eloquence. In 1224, two years before his death, he received the stigmata, a phenomenon in which the wounds of Christ's crucifixion appeared on his body, further solidifying his legacy as a figure of profound religious significance.
The impact of Saint Francis of Assisi's life and teachings extends far beyond his time. His commitment to living a Christ-like life of poverty and humility inspired countless followers and led to the rapid growth of the Franciscan Order. Canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1228, just two years after his death, Saint Francis continues to be revered as a symbol of charity, humility, and the profound bond between humanity and the natural world. His legacy endures not only through the Franciscan Order but also through the countless people inspired by his example to live lives of simplicity, kindness, and service.