The Head of Saint Francis in Ecstasy
1626
oil
From the collection of National Galleries Scotland
1626
oil
From the collection of National Galleries Scotland
This painting depicts the head of a man in ecstasy, his eyes cast upward and his mouth open. He has a beard and is wearing a robe. The man's face is illuminated, while the background is dark, creating a sense of depth and contrast. The brushstrokes are visible, giving the painting a textured appearance. The use of chiaroscuro creates a dramatic effect, drawing the viewer's attention to the man's face. To learn more about the artist's use of light and shadow, look up the technique of chiaroscuro.
