A Franciscan and a preacher, Saint Francis is here shown wearing a black habit of his order. Repainting of images was a common practice observed in India, where colors of the clothing could be changed, and gilded borders and hems could often be added to the original image. The usual Franciscan tonsure, along with the collar of his hood which extends back to form the hood and the long cord interestingly bearing four knots, hanging in the front, allow us to date the image to the late 17th century or the beginning of the 18th century. By rule the cord worn by Franciscan friars bears three knots representing chastity, obedience and poverty (the fourth knot here might have been mistakenly added, due to the sculptor’s ignorance). A pin hole meant to hold a halo (generally made of precious/semi-precious metals) is visible on the head of the saint. Here, St Francis is shown with his head slightly bent towards his right and his left arm crossed over his right, on his chest. He is shown wearing simple leather sandals, standing onto an octagonal pedestal. Traces of gilt are visible in different regions on his cape and his robe.
