Description
The painting "Ecstasy of St Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi" by Alessandro Rosi is an impressive work that stands out for its baroque style and dramatic composition. The central figure of Santa Maria Magdalena de' Pazzi, with her ecstatic face and contorted body, is the focus of attention in the work. The figure is surrounded by a group of saints and angels, who seem to be watching her ecstasy with wonder and reverence.
The use of color in the work is particularly interesting. Rosi uses a rich and vibrant palette, with intense shades of red, blue and gold that contrast against the dark background. The light emanating from the figure of Santa Maria Magdalena de' Pazzi seems to illuminate the other characters in the work, creating a mystical and supernatural effect.
The story behind the painting is also fascinating. Alessandro Rosi was a 17th century Florentine artist who specialized in religious painting. The work was commissioned by the church of Santa Maria Magdalena de' Pazzi in Florence, which was founded by the saint herself in the 16th century. The painting became one of the most important works in the church and was admired for its beauty and its spiritual message.
A little-known aspect of the work is that the figure of Saint Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi was actually a 16th-century Italian nun who was canonized by the Catholic Church. The figure of the saint in ecstasy became a popular subject in religious art of the time, and Rosi was able to capture the intensity and emotion of the mystical experience in her painting.
In summary, the painting "Ecstasy of St Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi" by Alessandro Rosi is an impressive work that combines the Baroque style, dramatic composition and the use of color to create a powerful and moving image. The story behind the work and its connection to the church of Santa Maria Magdalena de' Pazzi make it an important work in the history of Italian religious art.