Agostino Carracci was an Italian painter and print maker. Him, his brother Annibale and cousin Ludovico were the founders of the Accademia degli Incamminati. This was one of the first art academies in Italy. This academy was a proof that artists desired to be on the same level as musicians and poets rather than staying as isolated artisans. Born to a tailor, he initially trained as a goldsmith. Later on, he started studying paintings, travelling to Parma and Venice. He started by copying masters such as Federico Barocci, Tintoretto and Correggio. Agostino was primarily known as a printmaker, particularly because he was overshadowed by his brother Annibale, in the field of painting. It was often believed that he best worked the practice of engraving. Although, he was admired as a painter by his contemporaries. "The ecstasy of Saint Catherine" shows Saint Catherine of Siena. She belonged to the order founded by St. Dominic. At the end of her life, she received the vision of the sacred stigmata during an ecstatic vision. She then shares the stigmata with the world. Two angels hold and support her. The saint has the typical attributes. She is wearing a crown of thrones with lilies and heart in her hand. The painting was done to show high physical and emotional sensitivity.
The painting depicts Saint Catherine in a state of spiritual ecstacy and divine repture. Her ex[pression and gestures convey intense devotion , surrender and mystical love for God. It represents the saint's direct communion with the divine and reflects the Counter-Reformation emphasis on emotional religious experience. The artist, Agostino Carraci uses expressive figures, dramatic composition and bright colours to show spiritual intensity.
