Saint Francis, dressed in a brown habit, presses himself closely to the body of Christ, who hangs from the cross with his head bowed and eyes closed. Francis's arms encircle Christ's waist and back, his face turned upward in a gesture of devotion and longing, while Christ's left arm rests gently on Francis's shoulder. A wound is visible on Christ’s side, and his right hand, pierced by a nail, is outstretched above Francis’s head, emphasizing the physical reality of the crucifixion.

Francis’s right foot pushes away a dark blue globe at the lower left, symbolizing his rejection of worldly attachments. The open book displays a passage from the Gospel of Luke, reinforcing the theme of renunciation and discipleship. The light falls strongly on the bodies of Christ and Francis, highlighting their forms against the dark background and drawing attention to their embrace.

Murillo uses soft, blended brushwork to model the flesh and drapery, creating a sense of warmth and intimacy between the saint and Christ. The composition is carefully balanced, with the vertical of the cross and the diagonal of Christ’s outstretched arm guiding the viewer’s gaze across the scene. Small details, such as the rope belt around Francis’s waist and the subtle tears in his habit, add to the realism and emotional intensity of the encounter. The presence of the globe under Francis’s foot and the Gospel passage in the putto’s book visually reinforce this act of spiritual dedication. The painting’s warm palette, luminous skin tones, and tender interaction between saint and savior are characteristic of Murillo’s mature style.