Spanish School 17th Century Oil - St. Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy

A striking devotional work depicting St. Francis of Assisi in ecstasy, executed in oil. The figure wears the brown Franciscan habit with corded belt, immediately identifying him as Francis. His gaze is directed heavenward in rapturous ecstasy whilst holding a small crucifix. A skull is visible in the upper left, a common vanitas element in Franciscan imagery. The chiaroscuro treatment strongly suggests a 17th century Spanish school master. The painting is presented in an antique Baroque gilt frame with relief ornamentation. Provenance: an inscription on the verso places this artwork in ownership of a collegiate church in northern Spain, possibly Briviesca. On copper.