Saint Francis ecstasy by Seghers
"Saint Francis in Ecstasy with Angels" by Gerard Seghers, is a dramatic Baroque depiction of Saint Francis of Assisi in a moment of divine rapture. Known for his deeply emotional and theatrical compositions, Seghers brings the saint's mystical experience vividly to life using intense contrasts of light and shadow, a hallmark of Caravaggisti style, which Seghers was strongly influenced by.
At the center of the composition, Saint Francis is shown in his traditional brown Franciscan habit, kneeling or collapsing in an ecstatic trance. His gaze is lifted upward, eyes half-open, as he experiences a vision of the divine. His face and posture express a profound mixture of awe, surrender, and spiritual ecstasy.
Surrounding him are three angels, each playing a unique role in emphasizing the supernatural nature of the scene:
One angel gently supports the saint, touching his chest as if to convey divine energy or comfort.
Another angel, clothed in red, plays a violin, suggesting the celestial music that accompanies his vision.
The third angel looks on with admiration and compassion, bathed in soft, divine light.
In the lower right, Seghers includes symbolic elements such as a skull and an open book, referencing Saint Francis's meditation on death and scripture—key aspects of his ascetic life.
Chiaroscuro: Strong contrasts between light and dark give the painting a dramatic, spiritual intensity.
Baroque emotion: The figures are caught in expressive poses, emphasizing inner feeling over physical realism.
Divine light: The ethereal glow that illuminates Francis and the angels is symbolic of divine presence.
This painting beautifully captures the moment when earthly suffering meets divine grace, a key theme in depictions of Saint Francis. Gerard Seghers’ skillful use of lighting and composition enhances the emotional depth and spiritual fervor of the scene, making it a powerful example of Flemish Baroque religious art.
This image is a public domain image, which means either that copyright has expired in the image or the copyright holder has waived their copyright. Franciscan Gallery charges for the access to high resolution copy of the image. Manually restoration was necessary in order to improve quality, without covering the original image.
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