Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy 

Caravaggio’s ‘Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy’ was painted with oils on canvas, a common medium for the time. But Caravaggio brought an unprecedented naturalism to the practice of painting, in keeping with the gritty realities of labor and everyday life. Look closely at the way Saint Francis's simple brown robe drapes across his body, and how this contrasts with the angel’s beautifully lit white fabric. Caravaggio’s skill as a painter is on full display here, layering pigment to create realistic textures and dramatic lighting effects. He was deeply committed to the hard work of painting, and his innovative use of light and shadow allowed him to achieve a level of emotional intensity. The work itself embodies the social context of its time. It blurs the lines between the divine and the mundane, portraying a saint not as an untouchable figure but as someone with whom we can relate. Caravaggio invites viewers to contemplate the intersection of art, labor, and spirituality.