Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata

Saint Francis Receiving the Stigmata is a masterful woodcut created by Albrecht Dürer between 1503 and 1504. This powerful print exemplifies the technical sophistication achieved by German Renaissance artists in the early 16th century, demonstrating Dürer’s unparalleled command over the graphic arts medium.

The scene illustrates the core episode of Franciscan legend: Saint Francis of Assisi, kneeling in humble devotion on Mount La Verna, receives the stigmata (the wounds corresponding to the Crucifixion) after experiencing a vision of a crucified seraph. Dürer meticulously contrasts the immense spiritual drama of the moment with the quiet, detailed realism of the natural setting. Francis is depicted in rapturous contemplation, the shock of the miraculous transfer of Christ's suffering evident in his posture, while his companion, Brother Leo, sleeps innocently in the distance.

As a woodcut, the work showcases Dürer’s innovative approach to rendering volume and texture. He moved beyond the simple outlines of earlier devotional prints, utilizing complex cross-hatching and varied line weight to create deep shadows and nuanced tonal contrasts, effectively elevating the medium to the status of fine art. The widespread availability of such carefully executed prints played a critical role in spreading the fame of Dürer throughout Europe.

This celebrated work remains one of the most significant devotional images of the era, combining deeply personal spiritual narrative with high artistic achievement. An impression of this influential piece resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of the age and enduring importance of the image, high-resolution scans of many of Dürer’s Renaissance prints are frequently made available for study in the public domain.