Saint in Ecstasy 1613 - 1699

"Saint in Ecstasy" is a drawing by the Italian Baroque artist Mattia Preti, created sometime between 1613 and 1699. The drawing depicts a saint kneeling in prayer, looking up towards a vision of angels in the clouds. The saint's hand reaches out towards the angels, who are depicted with outstretched wings and haloes. This drawing, which measures 14 3/8 x 9 7/8 inches, is a preparatory study for a larger painting and exemplifies the artist's skill in depicting religious subjects with dramatic intensity. The use of brown ink and the dynamic composition create a sense of movement and energy, highlighting the spiritual experience of the saint. The drawing is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and represents a key work in the artist's oeuvre, revealing his mastery of drawing and his ability to portray divine figures in a believable and engaging manner.