The Vision of Saint John

"The Vision of Saint John" is a painting by the Spanish artist El Greco, created between approximately 1608 and 1614. The work depicts the apocalyptic vision experienced by Saint John as described in the Book of Revelation. El Greco employs a dramatic use of color and elongated forms, characteristic of his style, to convey the spiritual intensity of the scene. The composition features Saint John in a contemplative pose, surrounded by celestial figures and symbolic elements. The painting reflects El Greco's interest in mysticism and the divine, as well as his unique approach to religious themes. It is currently housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. The exact circumstances of its commission and original placement are unknown.

"The Vision of Saint John" by El Greco is an oil on canvas painting created circa 1608–14. The composition features Saint John the Evangelist, depicted in a dramatic pose, receiving a divine revelation. The figure is rendered with elongated proportions, characteristic of El Greco's style, and is set against a turbulent sky filled with swirling clouds. The color palette is dominated by deep blues and vibrant reds, enhancing the emotional intensity of the scene. Light emanates from the upper left, illuminating Saint John and creating a stark contrast with the darker background. The use of expressive brushwork contributes to the overall sense of movement and spiritual fervor. The painting exemplifies El Greco's unique blend of Byzantine and Western artistic traditions, emphasizing both the mystical and the human aspects of the subject. The work is notable for its dramatic use of color and form, which serve to heighten the viewer's engagement with the spiritual experience being depicted.