Artwork
St. Francis in Ecstasy
St. Francis in Ecstasy is a print by the Baroque artist Gilles Rousselet. It dates from 1625 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This print on paper, attributed to Gilles Rousselet, is a reproduction of Guido Reni’s composition *St. Francis in Ecstasy*. It portrays a figure, identifiable as St. Francis, overwhelmed with intense emotion.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures a pivotal moment of spiritual ecstasy in St. Francis’s life, conveying profound emotional and possibly mystical experience through the subject’s facial expression and bodily posture.
Technique & Style
The work showcases meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of the saint’s face and hands. The use of chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, enhances the emotional depth and three-dimensionality of the image.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Gilles Rousselet, this print is a reproduction of an original by Guido Reni, indicating its place within a tradition of reproducing renowned artworks for broader dissemination.
Artist & collection
