Ecstasy of a Female Saint n.d.

Domenico Piola's "Ecstasy of a Female Saint" is a delicate brown chalk drawing that depicts a female saint in a state of spiritual ecstasy. The saint is seated upon a cloud in a classical setting, her head tilted back as if lost in a vision. Above her, an angel, barely visible due to the faint lines, appears to be watching over her. The composition is balanced and elegant, with the saint's figure as the focal point, creating a sense of serenity and tranquility. Piola, a prominent Baroque artist known for his drawings and paintings, masterfully uses the subtle tones of chalk to create a sense of ethereal beauty in this devotional piece. This drawing, part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, is a captivating example of Piola's mastery of draftsmanship and his ability to convey spiritual intensity in a minimalist style.