# The Ecstasy of St Francis

[View the canonical artwork record](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/sassetta-r76a219dfcf9d91/the-ecstasy-of-st-francis-r65fe6df4d8b92d>)

## Artwork

- Artist: [SASSETTA](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/sassetta-r76a219dfcf9d91>)
- Date: 1401-1450
- Technique: Tempera on wood, 190 x 122 cm

## Commentary

The panel formed part of an altarpiece, placed originally on the high altar of the St Francis church in Borgo San Sepolcro. According to the reconstruction of the now dismembered altarpiece, this panel was in the centre of the back side of the polyptych. This large painting is in rather good condition. Sassetta maintains a balance between a demanding realism in certain parts, like the brilliant treatment of the hands and feet of St Francis, the more esoteric treatment of the aureole that surrounds the saint, and the gilt background.

## Related artworks

- [Damnation of the Soul of the Miser of Citerna](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/sassetta-r76a219dfcf9d91/damnation-of-the-soul-of-the-miser-of-citerna-r7dcf62b3111062>)
- [Death of the Heretic on the Bonfire](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/sassetta-r76a219dfcf9d91/death-of-the-heretic-on-the-bonfire-r2a846b25d25327>)
- [Founding of Santa Maria Maggiore](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/sassetta-r76a219dfcf9d91/founding-of-santa-maria-maggiore-r1e8ab89002ffb3>)
- [Madonna of Humility](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/sassetta-r76a219dfcf9d91/madonna-of-humility-rd9d65ce65ba283>)
- [Madonna of Humility with Four Saints](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/sassetta-r76a219dfcf9d91/madonna-of-humility-with-four-saints-r3d37149e0c25ef>)
- [Marriage of St Francis to Lady Poverty](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/sassetta-r76a219dfcf9d91/marriage-of-st-francis-to-lady-poverty-re50193f0594ff7>)
- [Miracle of the Eucharist](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/sassetta-r76a219dfcf9d91/miracle-of-the-eucharist-rba1a2c2b9f397f>)
- [St Anthony the Hermit Tortured by the Devils](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/sassetta-r76a219dfcf9d91/st-anthony-the-hermit-tortured-by-the-devils-r5b7aea2dfa0122>)
- [St Jerome \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/sassetta-r76a219dfcf9d91/st-jerome-detail-r07a8b1d687295e>)
- [St Thomas Before the Cross](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/sassetta-r76a219dfcf9d91/st-thomas-before-the-cross-r84f8cc6afc714f>)
- [St Thomas Inspired by the Dove of the Holy Ghost \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/sassetta-r76a219dfcf9d91/st-thomas-inspired-by-the-dove-of-the-holy-ghost-detail-r4449e14698ef6b>)
- [St Thomas Inspired by the Dove of the Holy Ghost \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/sassetta-r76a219dfcf9d91/st-thomas-inspired-by-the-dove-of-the-holy-ghost-detail-r87077c7ab0c7ac>)

## Attribution

[Web Gallery of Art](<https://beta.wga.hu/pages/about>)