Reference number
P01478
Author
Dyck, Anton van (Flemish),
Title
Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy
Chronology
1627-1632
Technique
Óleo
Support
Lienzo
Measures
123 cm x 105,5 cm
School
Flamenca
Theme
Religión
On display
No
Procedence
Colección Real (adquirida por el conde de Fuensaldaña, Londres, 1651; colección VI marqués del Carpio, Madrid; col. del VII marqués del Carpio, Jardín de San Joaquín, Madrid, 1689; adquirida por Carlos II; Alcázar de Madrid, obrador de pintores de cámara, 1694; col. Isabel Farnesio, Palacio de La Granja de San Ildefonso, Segovia, 1746, nº 1030; La Granja, sala de la princesa, 1766, nº 1030; Palacio de Aranjuez, Madrid, pieza en que está el oratorio, 1794, nº 1030; Aranjuez, oratorio de la reina, 1818, nº 1030).

The saint is depicted leaning on a boulder, in a state of mystical ecstasy following his meditation on death. That meditation is symbolized by the skull, cross and book. He is comforted by a musician angel, as is told in the book The Little Flowers of Saint Francis (Part II, second consideration).

This work is from the artist's second period in Antwerp, where he lived from 1627 to 1632 before leaving for England. The style combines the plastic fluidity he learned in Italy with the dramatic tension from his own religious paintings.

The painting was acquired by Felipe IV at the auction of the belongings of King Charles I of England.

 
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