Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy (Caravaggio)

Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy is a painting generally attributed to the Italian Baroque master Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. The painting depicts the stigmatization of Saint Francis of Assisi, a pivotal moment in the saint's life when he received the wounds of Christ on his body.

The artwork is notable for its dramatic use of light and shadow (tenebrism), a hallmark of Caravaggio's style. The scene is bathed in a soft, almost ethereal light, contrasting sharply with the surrounding darkness. This illumination focuses the viewer's attention on the central figures: Saint Francis, depicted in a state of religious rapture, and an angel supporting him.

The identity of the patron and the exact dating of the painting are subjects of ongoing scholarly debate. Some theories place its creation during Caravaggio's early period in Rome, possibly around 1595, while others suggest a later date. The painting's provenance is also unclear, with different collections and locations cited as potential points in its history.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding its origins, Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy is recognized as an important early work in Caravaggio's oeuvre, showcasing his burgeoning mastery of realism, psychological depth, and dramatic chiaroscuro. The painting captures the intensity of religious experience and the physical and emotional vulnerability of the saint, contributing to its enduring appeal and historical significance.