“St. Bernardino of Siena” is a religious painting executed in oil on canvas by El Greco in 1604, during the period marked by the Mannerism movement, specifically in its late phase which coincides with the end of the Renaissance. The artwork is housed in the El Greco Museum located in Toledo, Spain, and it depicts the renowned Franciscan preacher, St. Bernardino of Siena.
The artwork presents St. Bernardino standing full-length, cloaked in the austere brown habit of the Franciscan order, with the hood gently resting on his shoulders. His right hand holds a staff topped with a radiant insignia of the sunburst monogram “IHS”, indicative of his devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. With his left hand, he carries a book, a common symbol denoting his role as a learned preacher and theologian. El Greco’s unique ability to blend spiritual intensity with naturalistic detail is evident in the saint’s contemplative gaze and the intricate folds of his garment.
St. Bernardino’s barefoot stance and the Mitre, a traditional bishop’s headdress resting beside him, signify humility and a refusal of episcopal honors. The figure is set against a backdrop of swirling clouds, reinforcing the ethereal and transcendent nature of the saint. El Greco’s signature elongated figures and expressive use of light and shadow are characteristic elements of the Mannerist style and contribute to the dynamic spirituality of the painting. The unique portrayal is a testament to the artist’s individual approach to capturing the divine and the earthly within the realm of religious art.
