St Francis by Ubaldo Gandolfi 1768
Saint Francis in Ecstasy – Ubaldo Gandolfi (c. late 18th century)
Saint Francis in Ecstasy by Ubaldo Gandolfi presents an elegant and serene interpretation of the stigmatization scene. Gandolfi, born in San Matteo della Decima, trained at the Clementine Academy from the age of 17 under Ercole Graziani the Younger, Felice Torelli, and Ercole Lelli. Coming from a prolific family of artists—including his sons Giovanni Battista and Ubaldo Lorenzo, his brother Gaetano, and nephews Mauro and Democrito—Gandolfi is considered one of the last exponents of the grand manner of the Bolognese school, a tradition first established nearly two centuries earlier by the Carracci. His work spans Baroque and Neoclassic styles and is particularly reminiscent of Ludovico Carracci’s approach to color, composition, and expressive gesture.
In this canvas, Saint Francis is depicted in a moment of contemplative ecstasy, gently supported by two angels and accompanied by two cherubs, creating a sense of elevated spiritual grace rather than pain or suffering. The saint’s expression is calm and serene, his features delicately modeled with soft, tender precision. Gandolfi avoids any dramatic or shocking portrayal; instead, the focus is on the intimate, mystical connection between Francis and the divine. The angelic figures are rendered with almost ethereal lightness: their wings are translucent, feathered with such subtlety that they seem to float above the canvas.
The palette Gandolfi employs is exquisite, composed of soft, almost pastel tones, blending harmonious shades of pink, green, and muted blues. The careful selection of colors creates a cohesive visual environment, where even the rocks and the sky are infused with the same gentle hues. This refined chromatic approach enhances the ethereal quality of the scene, emphasizing both the saint’s spiritual elevation and the serene intimacy of the moment.
Every face and gesture is painted with meticulous care, from the cherubs’ round, gentle features to the angels’ tender, attentive expressions. The composition is carefully structured to lead the eye through a balance of vertical and diagonal lines, the positioning of the figures enhancing the sense of ascending grace. The light touches of gold or warmer highlights subtly accentuate key points, such as the folds of garments or the edges of wings, adding visual harmony without overpowering the softness of the palette.
Overall, Gandolfi’s Saint Francis in Ecstasy stands as a masterful synthesis of technical skill, refined color sense, and devotional sensitivity. The painting exemplifies the Bolognese grand manner while presenting a unique, elegant interpretation of the stigmatization, emphasizing beauty, serenity, and the transcendence of Francis’s mystical experience. The careful balance of figure, color, and light invites prolonged contemplation, making this work both a visual and spiritual delight.
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