The artwork “St. Paul and St. Peter” was created by the artist El Greco around 1595 in Spain. This painting employs oil on canvas as its medium and is a significant representation of the Mannerism movement, which took place during the Late Renaissance. The piece measures approximately 116 by 91.8 centimeters and is categorized as a religious painting. The artwork is currently housed in the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC) in Barcelona, Spain.
In the artwork, two figures are depicted up close and with significant detail, occupying most of the compositional space. The figure on the left, traditionally identified as St. Peter, has grey hair and a beard, with deep set eyes that reflect a sense of contemplation or internal reflection. He is wearing a robe that is a muted orange or tan color. The figure on the right, believed to be St. Paul, presents with dark hair and a beard, and a more direct, engaging gaze towards the viewer. St. Paul is depicted with a vibrant green robe covered by a reddish over-garment. Notably, a sword is held by St. Paul, which is a typical symbol associated with him, referring to his martyrdom and his former life as a Roman citizen.
El Greco’s distinctive and expressive use of color and elongated forms is evident here, with the lively drapery and dynamic contrast of colors drawing attention to the figures’ dramatic gestures and the intensity of their expressions. The background is notably subdued and seems almost unfinished, allowing the viewer to focus primarily on the emotional and spiritual depth of the two saints. The lighting and brushwork enhance the ethereal quality of the subjects, a hallmark of El Greco’s unique style within the Mannerist movement.
