The Ecstasy of St. Francis
1588
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1588
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This print shows a crowded scene of religious figures. At the center, a robed man with a halo floats upward, his hands raised as if in prayer. Around him, angels and other holy-looking people hover or kneel, some playing musical instruments. Below, a bearded man in simple clothes reaches toward him, while two stone pillars frame the action. Notice the dramatic light and shadow—some faces glow almost like they’re lit from behind, while others stay dark. The artist used this contrast to make the scene feel intense and alive. This print is an example of chiaroscuro.
