The artwork entitled “The Knight with his hand on his breast” is a creation of the artist El Greco, dated around 1584. This piece belongs to the art movement known as Mannerism, which followed the Late Renaissance period. The medium used in this work is oil on canvas, with the dimensions of the artwork measuring approximately 81 by 66 centimeters. Classified within the genre of portraiture, the artwork is part of the collection housed at the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
The depiction of the knight reveals him dressed in somber attire, contrasting sharply with a white, intricately detailed lace collar and matching cuffs at his wrists. His right hand is placed over his heart, conveying a gesture that may indicate sincerity, devotion, or nobility. With a direct and engaging gaze, the subject’s facial expression is solemn and introspective. The background offers little distraction, composed of subdued, neutral tones, and the figure emerges from the shadowy backdrop. Notably, the light falls across the figure in a manner that accentuates the contour of his face, the texture of his clothing, and the intricate lace details. To the lower right, a golden hilt of a sword or similar accouterment further suggests the man’s status or identity as a knight. The minimalistic approach in El Greco’s composition focuses the viewer’s attention on the human subject and the psychological depth conveyed through his pose and expression, typical characteristics of the Mannerist style that sought to capture and evoke emotional resonance over naturalistic representation.
