The artwork titled “St. Francis and Brother Rufus,” created by the artist El Greco in 1606, is a notable example of the Mannerism art movement from the Late Renaissance period. This religious painting, executed in oil on canvas, measures 102 by 65 centimeters. The El Greco Museum, located in Toledo, Spain, is the current custodian of this piece, ensuring its preservation and accessibility to the public.
In the artwork, St. Francis is depicted in the act of prayer or contemplation, donning the traditional brown robe of the Franciscan order, indicative of his vow of poverty and commitment to a life of simplicity. The saint’s expression is one of solemnity and introspection, a hallmark of El Greco’s ability to convey deep spiritual conviction. Furthermore, we observe another figure, presumably Brother Rufus, in a posture of reverence or possibly supplication towards St. Francis, reinforcing the themes of devotion and humility central to this work. The color palette is subdued, highlighting the ascetic life that St. Francis led, while the elongated forms typical of Mannerism contribute to the artwork’s dramatic effect.
