Saint Martin and the Beggar

Saint Martin and the Beggar by El Greco

Saint Martin and the Beggar, created by El Greco between circa 1597 and circa 1600, is an exemplary work of the artist's mature period, showcasing his distinctive style characterized by elongated figures and dramatic use of color. This oil on canvas painting depicts the charitable act of Saint Martin, a Roman soldier, sharing his cloak with a beggar, a theme that resonates with the Counter-Reformation emphasis on acts of mercy. El Greco, born Domenikos Theotokopoulos in Crete, was a pivotal figure in the Spanish Renaissance, known for his unique blending of Byzantine traditions with Western painting techniques. The painting's dynamic composition and spiritual intensity reflect El Greco's deep religious convictions and his innovative approach to form and space. This work is significant for its contribution to the development of Baroque art, influencing later artists with its emotional expressiveness and bold use of color. El Greco's legacy endures as a bridge between the Byzantine and Western art worlds, marking him as a transformative figure in art history.

"Saint Martin and the Beggar" by El Greco, created circa 1597–1600, is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the artist's distinctive Mannerist style, characterized by elongated figures and dramatic use of color. The artwork depicts the charitable act of Saint Martin of Tours sharing his cloak with a beggar, and it is housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.