On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01478
- Author
- Dyck, Anton van (Flemish),
- Title
- Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy
- Chronology
- 1627-1632
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 123 cm x 105,5 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
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.
Location on the map
