St Francis Preaching to Animals, 18th century Nevers Spun glass diorama

St. Francis of Assisi is depicted standing, holding the upright cross. Around the saint, animals representing all species of creation move within a landscape of hills planted with trees, plants, and flowers. A spring gushes from a rock and flows into a small pond. The theme is "universal brotherhood with all creatures," illustrating a period in the life of St. Francis when he drew closer to the animal world. "Creation reconciled." The following are represented in spun glass: wolf, deer, sheep, snail, dog, duck, snake, swan, hen, lark, waterfall, and the saint. The trees are made of tufts of silk thread. The seashells, the beetle, some flowers, and the everlasting mushroom are natural. All other elements are made of cut paper and cardboard. A small mirror placed behind the saint adds depth to the scene, and another mirror serves as a duck pond. The ground is covered with sparkling colored glass. There may also be mica and mother-of-pearl. Gilded wooden frame. Cardboard casing. Original protective glass. A very high-quality diorama, with meticulously executed details and a good choice and arrangement of colors that are striking without being vulgar, which is rarely the case with dioramas that are often confusing and dreary. This is an artist's work, not a craftsman's. Good condition, no restoration; only the frame has been reinforced. French work from the 18th century, made in Nevers. 340 x 275 x 115 mm.

"Pace e Bene".