Artwork
Hl. Franziskus in Ekstase (Art des)
Hl. Franziskus in Ekstase (Art des) is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Unknown. It dates from 1596 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. The work depicts a solitary figure clad in an unadorned brown habit, kneeling in a dimly lit space.
About this work
Overview
The work depicts a solitary figure clad in an unadorned brown habit, kneeling in a dimly lit space. The monk’s expression is composed yet earnest, and his hands support a smooth, rounded stone that catches the faint light. The surrounding darkness isolates the figure, emphasizing the contemplative gesture and the enigmatic object he bears.
Subject & Meaning
The kneeling figure is Saint Francis of Assisi, shown in a moment of spiritual intensity. He cradles a relic traditionally identified as a fragment of the thorn‑crowned rock associated with Christ’s Passion, a symbol of Francis’s devotion to the suffering of Jesus. The calm demeanor suggests a meditative acceptance of this sacred connection.
Technique & Style
Rendered in muted earth tones, the painting relies on chiaroscuro to model the saint’s form against a deep background. The smooth surface of the stone is achieved through delicate glazing, giving it a glass‑like sheen that contrasts with the rough texture of the habit. The overall composition is restrained, focusing attention on the figure’s gesture and the relic.
Context
Francis of Assisi was frequently portrayed with humble attire and simple props, reflecting his vows of poverty. The inclusion of a relic from the Crown of Thorns aligns with medieval and early modern traditions that linked saints to tangible pieces of Christ’s suffering, reinforcing the viewer’s sense of piety.
Legacy
While the painting is not widely reproduced, its careful depiction of a relic in the hands of a beloved saint illustrates the devotional practices of its era. It continues to serve as a visual reference for scholars studying the iconography of Franciscan spirituality and the material culture of relic veneration.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
