A work of the French Baroque period, Georges de la Tour's "St. Francis in Ecstasy" employs chiaroscuro to create a dramatic and contemplative scene of two monks, one in prayer and the other near death, illuminated by a single candle.

Georges de la Tour's "St. Francis in Ecstasy, also called The Praying Monk beside the Dying Monk" is a work of the French Baroque period. De la Tour was known for his use of chiaroscuro, a technique employing strong contrasts between light and dark to create dramatic effects. This painting exemplifies that style. The scene is illuminated by a single candle, which casts a warm glow on the figures and objects while plunging the rest of the composition into deep shadow. This creates a sense of intimacy and contemplation. The painting depicts two monks in a dimly lit room. One monk, presumably St. Francis, is shown in prayer, his hands clasped together. The other monk lies beside him, seemingly near death. The candle sits between them, its flame a symbol of faith and hope in the face of mortality. The composition is simple, with a focus on the figures and their emotional states. The colour palette is restrained, dominated by dark browns and reds, which further enhances the somber mood. The artist's attention to detail is evident in the rendering of the monks' faces and clothing, as well as the objects on the table.