The Ecstasy of St. Francis of Assisi 1600

El Greco captured Saint Francis of Assisi in oil on canvas, his figure illuminated against a dark background. A skull sits to the left, a stark symbol of mortality, traditionally paired with penitent saints. Observe Francis’s upturned gaze and the gesture of his hands, echoing the age-old motif of divine receptivity. This gesture, reaching towards the heavens, can be traced back through countless depictions of saints and orants across diverse cultures, a visual expression of yearning for connection with the divine. Consider how this motif has evolved; from ancient votive statues to Renaissance paintings, the open hand symbolizes both supplication and acceptance. This symbol resonates on a primal level, tapping into our collective memory of seeking solace and guidance. Here, El Greco masterfully uses it to convey Francis’s ecstatic union with God, evoking a powerful emotional response in the viewer. The symbol's cyclical journey reminds us that, while forms may change, the underlying human desire for spiritual transcendence remains constant.