The artwork titled “St. Francis receiving the stigmata” is a notable creation by the artist El Greco, dating back to circa 1590 in Spain. This oil on canvas piece embodies the stylistic attributes of the Mannerism movement, particularly as it evolved in the late Renaissance period. Measuring approximately 102 by 97 centimeters, the artwork falls within the religious painting genre and is currently housed at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, United States.
The artwork portrays St. Francis of Assisi, a revered saint in Christian tradition, in a moment of divine interaction where he is believed to have received the stigmata, or the wounds of Christ. El Greco captures the intensity of this moment through his dramatic use of chiaroscuro, where the stark contrast between light and dark accentuates St. Francis’s expression of awe and spiritual ecstasy. The saint is depicted in a humble pose, his hands extended and eyes lifted upward, as if responding to a heavenly vision. The dark, subdued palette with highlights focuses the viewer’s attention on the figure of St. Francis and the mystical experience he undergoes. The artwork exudes a palpable sense of devotion and mysticism, reflective of El Greco’s deep engagement with spiritual and religious themes.
