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Saint Stephen in Ecstasy

Edme Bouchardon

1704

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Baroque 18th Century Religious

Dominant colour

Saint Stephen in Ecstasy is a 1704 by Edme Bouchardon, a Baroque work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Edme Bouchardon
When & what style?: 1704 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a robed figure floating upward, arms outstretched. The person’s face is tilted back, eyes closed, as if lost in thought or vision. Loose, flowing drapery wraps around their body, and one hand holds a small object. The lines are soft and sketchy, with no hard edges—just quick strokes that suggest movement. The figure looks like they’re experiencing a moment of intense emotion, maybe religious or spiritual. The artist used light shading to make the figure stand out against the plain background, which was common in this style. Try looking up chiaroscuro to see how this lighting trick works in other art.

About the artist

Artist

Edme Bouchardon

Edmé Bouchardon (French: ; 29 May 1698 – 27 July 1762) was a French sculptor best known for his neoclassical statues in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles, his medals, his equestrian statue of Louis XV for the…

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