The artwork titled “Apparition of the Virgin to St. Lawrence” is a significant oil on canvas painting by the renowned artist El Greco, created around 1580 in Spain. It falls within the Mannerism movement, which characterizes the Late Renaissance period. The painting measures 119 by 102 centimeters and embodies the religious genre. It is held at the College of Our Lady of Antigua in Monforte de Lemos, Spain.
The artwork presents a visually compelling narrative, depicting St. Lawrence in a moment of divine intervention. The saint, dressed in richly ornate ecclesiastical vestments with intricate patterns and vibrant colors, gazes upward, seemingly towards a divine vision. His expression is one of awe and reverence, indicating a profound spiritual encounter. The Virgin Mary, accompanied by the infant Jesus, appears above him, floating upon a cloud. St. Lawrence is shown holding a gridiron, his attribute, symbolizing his martyrdom. The contrast of the earthly figure of St. Lawrence with the ethereal apparition of the Virgin creates a powerful spiritual dialogue within the composition, representative of El Greco’s unique style, which blends the physical with the mystical, and reflects the intense religious fervor of the period.
