El Greco’s painting, Saint Paul, completed between 1608 and 1614, is currently housed at the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The painting depicts the apostle Paul with a fierce expression on his face, holding a sword in his left hand and a book in his right. Notably, Gregorio Marañón theorized that El Greco used mental patients at the Hospital del Nuncio as models for the figures in this painting.
El Greco’s paintings are famous for their unique style of Mannerism and psychological understanding. Saint Peter and Saint Paul is another notable work by El Greco from between 1590 and 1600 that showcases his extraordinary talent. However, it is The Burial of Count Orgaz that is recognized as his greatest masterpiece.
Saint Paul was painted during the final years of El Greco’s life when he resided in Toledo. This painting confirms that despite living abroad for many years, his roots with Spanish culture remained deep. In addition to being an exceptional artist whose contributions to art cannot be denied.
