Study for ‘An Apotheosis of a Saint’ c. 1695

Sebastiano Ricci painted this oil study for ‘An Apotheosis of a Saint’ in the early 18th century. The composition swirls upwards, pulling our eyes from the landscape below to the clouds lifting the saint towards the heavens. The artist’s fluid brushstrokes and the muted palette create a sense of movement and drama. Ricci uses color and form to create a hierarchy within the scene. The saint and angels are bathed in a soft, golden light, setting them apart from the darker, earth-bound landscape. This contrast emphasizes the saint’s transition from the earthly to the divine realm. The diagonal composition further accentuates this ascension, directing our gaze upwards in a visual representation of spiritual transcendence. Consider how the loose brushwork destabilizes the conventional, academic approach. Instead of precise details, Ricci prioritizes capturing the emotional essence of the scene. The lack of clear, defined forms invites interpretation and challenges fixed meanings. The play of light and shadow adds depth and complexity, symbolizing the saint's journey through earthly trials toward heavenly glory.