Landscape with a Saint in Ecstasy

Landscape with a Saint in Ecstasy of 1629 is an early work showing Mola already interested in the atmospheric landscape setting that would become his specialty. A saint in ecstatic prayer set within a wild, untamed natural landscape was a subject perfectly suited to his combination of figure and landscape interests. The anonymous saint in ecstasy allowed maximum compositional freedom, focusing on the spiritual state rather than a specific narrative event.

The ecstatic saint occupies a position within a broadly handled wild landscape, small against the surrounding nature. Mola's early technique here is less accomplished than his mature work but already shows his interest in warm, atmospheric effects and the emotional character of natural light.