Apoteosis de San Francisco
Annibale Carracci·1551
Historical Context
Annibale Carracci's Apotheosis of Saint Francis, attributed as the ceiling painting for the Herrera Chapel in Madrid, depicts the founder of the Franciscan order ascending to heaven in a composition of Baroque spatial ambition. Carracci's ability to organize complex figures in illusionistic ceiling compositions was foundational for the development of the grand Baroque ceiling decoration that Cortona and Tiepolo would carry to its furthest development. The Franciscan subject was well suited to his combination of naturalistic observation and devotional warmth.
Technical Analysis
The upward-sweeping composition carries the viewer's eye from the earthly realm below to the celestial glory above. Angels support the ascending saint in a dynamic spiral arrangement that anticipates the full Baroque ceiling compositions of the next generation.
Look Closer
- ◆Notice the ascending saint borne heavenward in a dynamic upward composition.
- ◆Look at the luminous celestial setting and energetic figural movement.
- ◆Observe the apotheosis format celebrating the Franciscan founder's reception into heavenly glory.
