“Ecstasy of St. Francis,” created by Giotto between 1297 and 1300, is a fresco measuring 270 x 230 cm and is part of the “Legend of St. Francis” series located in the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Assisi, Italy. This work is emblematic of the Proto Renaissance movement and belongs to the genre of religious painting.
The artwork depicts an ethereal moment of divine communion featuring St. Francis of Assisi. Central to the composition, St. Francis is portrayed elevated and surrounded by a cloud-like form, signifying his ecstatic celestial experience. His arms are outstretched towards a divine figure descending from the upper right corner, embodying a profound spiritual connection. To the left, a group of friars observe this miraculous event, their expressions reflecting awe and reverence. The architectural backdrop, with its solemn, fortress-like structures, adds to the sense of sacredness and historical gravitas. The fresco employs rich, yet soft hues to evoke a timeless, sacred atmosphere indicative of Giotto’s pioneering approach during the Proto Renaissance period.
