Saint Francis in ecstasy by Giovanni Castiglione

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Saint Francis in Ecstasy – Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (1664), Oil on canvas

In this powerful Baroque depiction, Saint Francis is shown wearing a Capuchin habit, kneeling on a rocky precipice against the dramatic backdrop of an evening sky. His uplifted gaze and outstretched hands convey a moment of spiritual ecstasy, reflecting his deep devotion to Christ crucified. The surrounding landscape, with jagged rocks and distant hills, emphasizes the saint’s separation from the earthly realm and his closeness to the divine.

Castiglione incorporates emblematic objects to reinforce Franciscan spirituality: an open book represents the Gospels and the life of contemplation, while a skull reminds viewers of human mortality and the transience of worldly concerns. The contrast between the glowing sky and the darkened rocks, achieved through a careful play of light and shadow, underlines the transition from the material to the spiritual, a hallmark of Castiglione’s mature style.

Although the original location of the painting is unknown, it was likely intended as an altarpiece or devotional work. Castiglione’s composition highlights both the human vulnerability and the divine ecstasy of the saint, creating a dynamic tension that invites viewers into the spiritual experience. The painting exemplifies the 17th-century Baroque interest in heightened emotion, theatricality, and the intimate relationship between saints and the divine. (Oil on canvas, 1664)