I think I’ve found your next profile pic…seems fitting since I sent you your current one. 🇨🇦😉
OFFICIAL Ongo Gablogian Museum of Fine Arts
@ongomuseum.bsky.social
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Philadelphia’s favourite art collector has gifted his hometown with its new cultural Mecca. Come see thousands of the world’s greatest masterpieces under one roof. Plan your visit today! www.instagram.com/ongomuseum
![To celebrate its very first holiday season, the ONGO is decking its halls with dozens of festive Christmas trees, many of which were donated to us by Philly area schools and businesses. This one (located in our Contemporary Art wing) comes to us from the young students of Willard R. Abbott Elementary and features a nautical theme. According to Abbott principal Ava Coleman (seen in 2nd photo), she dreamt up the idea for this tree herself while vacationing on a famous rapper’s yacht this past summer. [For the record, Coleman insists that the rapper in question was NOT Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cmh5ckdimfdblou6pncszqlt/bafkreids65mzwvmuwz6ftvogn77n7ujeitu3wrpm6dx4elgcctn47d2uqq)
![Francisco de Zurbarán, ‘Saint Francis In Prayer In A Grotto’ (1650-1655)
This Spanish painter was best known for his religious pieces and his use of ‘chiaroscuro’ (i.e. a style of painting involving strong contrasts between light and dark). His nickname ‘Spanish Caravaggio’ is derived from his skill at chiaroscuro.
Saint Francis of Assisi was a frequent subject of Zurbarán’s paintings, usually depicted in prayer, meditation or a state of religious ecstasy. This particular work has proven rather controversial in recent years as a result of several wild conspiracy theories that have sprouted about its possible symbolism. Some historians have surmised that the appearance of the skull (which is generally agreed to represent Christ’s crucifixion) instead hints at a centuries-old rumour that Saint Francis was a notorious serial killer. As further “proof”, these same historians argue that the stigmata seen on his right hand is actually a blood stain left by one of his victims.
Other conspiracy theorists take issue with Francis’ wearing of the three-knotted rope wrapped around his waist. While the knots have long been believed to represent the Franciscan vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, some remain convinced that they instead depict a set of anal beads. Seen in this alternate light, they argue that this painting depicts a repentant Saint Francis praying for guidance and forgiveness regarding his sexual orientation. [The less said about the largely ridiculed theory that the open book seen in front of Francis is actually a set of instructions on how to build a dildo bike, the better.]
Come see this provocative masterpiece and countless others up close at the ONGO. Plan your visit today!](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cmh5ckdimfdblou6pncszqlt/bafkreiebaxy4ifrnudzah6pjlrbhmic6l3kpyvywikuyotu3cvcn5mnv3y)
