St Filippo Neri in Ecstasy (1614) by Guido Reni

St Filippo Neri in Ecstasy - Guido Reni - 1614

Artwork Information

TitleSt Filippo Neri in Ecstasy
ArtistGuido Reni
Date1614
Art MovementBaroque

About St Filippo Neri in Ecstasy

The artwork titled “St Filippo Neri in Ecstasy” was created by Guido Reni in 1614. As a prominent figure of the Baroque art movement, Reni’s work is illustrative of the era’s distinct aesthetics and its inclination towards emotive, religious painting. This work particularly encapsulates the profound religious experiences and expressions that were often explored by artists during the Baroque period.

The painting vividly portrays St Filippo Neri, an Italian priest noted for founding the Congregation of the Oratory, in a moment of divine ecstasy. He is depicted gazing upwards, his face alight with an emotional rapture, as he experiences a vision. Above him, to the left-hand side, is the Virgin Mary holding the infant Christ, surrounded by a cluster of cherubs whose gentle faces peer down with an ethereal quality. The dynamic composition amplifies the moment’s intensity, inviting viewers to witness the saint’s communion with the divine.

Reni’s mastery is apparent in the lifelike rendering of St Filippo Neri, whose aged face is marked with lines that indicate both his wisdom and his emotional state. The saint is clothed in a magnificent red vestment, richly detailed with gold embroidery, which adds to the drama and opulence typical of Baroque art. Subtle lighting enhances the spiritual aura of the scene, focusing on the saint’s face and hands as they reach out, almost as if to touch the divine vision before him. A single white lily, symbolizing purity, lies at the lower edge of the artwork, grounding the composition and reinforcing the saint’s virtues. This work, embodying both emotional depth and artistic sophistication, stands as a testament to the spiritual fervor and artistic innovation that characterize the Baroque era.

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