Franz Xaver (1506–1552)

Portrait von Franz Xaver (1506–1552), Anfang des 17. Jh., unbekannter Künstler; Bildquelle: Mit freundlicher Genehmigung des Kobe City Museum, Japan.

This portrait of Franz Xaver (also: Francisco de Xavier/Francisco de Gassu y Javier/Francisco de Jassu y Azpilcueta) painted by a member of a Japanese-Christian painting school dates from the beginning of the 17th century. The portrait depicts the typical iconographical characteristics of Xaver: the cross brings together the flaming heart and the open heavens, or contemplation and action.

Portrait of Franz Xaver (1506–1552), beginning of the 17th century, unknown artist; source: with the kind permission of the Kobe City Museum, Japan.