Painting Titled “st. Francis Xavier,” Oil On Canvas—17th Century

Painting “St. Francis Xavier,” oil on canvas—17th century

The painting is entirely dominated by the figure of the Jesuit saint, who wears a white surplice with refined drapery over a black robe; the decorative details of the wide sleeves are rendered with meticulous care, as is the brown stole, richly decorated with floral motifs.

The saint points with one finger to the Crucifix—his iconographic attribute—which he holds aloft with his left arm.

The saint’s gaze is directed toward the viewer.

The composition is distinguished by its dark background, which highlights the face and hands and emphasizes the contrast between the light-colored robe and the darker elements of his attire.

The embroidery and decorative details of the robe contribute to the visual richness of the image, in keeping with a devotional style common in 17th-century religious painting.

The work retains historical and iconographic significance, though it presents conservation challenges.

The painted surface shows widespread abrasions and loss of color, particularly pronounced along the edges and at the bottom, where a section of paper—added and subsequently painted, and affixed to a wooden backing—is visible, as documented in the detailed photographs; this section can be easily removed to restore the painting to its original dimensions.

It should also be noted that one of the rear stretcher bars is taped.

Period: 17th century

Dimensions: 82 x 62 cm

Medium: oil on canvas

Subject: Saint Francis Xavier

Condition: in need of restoration; widespread abrasions and losses in the paint layer, with paper added to the lower portion and a stretcher with a taped rear slat.