The Ecstasy of Saint Francis

The Ecstasy of Saint Francis

Giovanni Baglione

1601

oil

From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago

About this work

This painting shows a man in a brown robe, lying on his back. He's holding a book in his right hand and has a skull under his left hand. A woman in a white dress and blue sash is pointing at him with her right hand. Another woman in a white dress is looking at the man with her hand on his chest. The background is dark, and there's a white cloth behind the women. The man's eyes are closed, and he seems to be in a peaceful state. The women are looking at him with concern, and the skull under his hand adds a sense of mortality to the scene. The use of chiaroscuro creates a dramatic effect, highlighting the figures and adding depth to the painting.

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