St Stanislaus Kostka in ecstasy(?) 1684 - 1764

This drawing by Marco Benefial depicts Saint Stanislaus Kostka in a state of religious ecstasy. Dominating the composition is the Madonna, holding the Christ Child, floating amidst clouds, and attended by angels. The Madonna, an archetypal figure, appears across cultures and eras, embodying maternal love, purity, and divine grace. The Christ Child is the embodiment of innocence and redemption. Think of the ancient Roman depictions of emperors holding a globe, symbolizing their dominion. Here, the Madonna offering the Christ Child to the saint echoes a similar gesture of power, but one of spiritual authority. Stanislaus, eyes upturned, hands clasped, conveys intense devotion. This pose of submission is a recurring motif, tracing back to antiquity, embodying humanity's yearning for the divine. Consider how such imagery engages our collective memory, stirring deep-seated emotions and a profound sense of connection. The non-linear progression of such symbols demonstrates how they resurface and evolve.