The artwork “St. James the Less” is a creation of the artist El Greco, dating around 1595 and originating from Spain. It’s an oil painting on canvas showcasing El Greco’s distinct style from the Mannerism movement during the Late Renaissance period. The dimensions of the piece are 62.9 x 50.2 cm. This religious painting is part of the collection at the Hyde Collection Art Museum located in Glens Falls, New York, United States.
In the painting, we see a portrait of St. James the Less, one of the Twelve Apostles. The saint is depicted with a thoughtful and solemn expression, gazing off to the side, as if lost in contemplation or prayer. He is clothed in a vibrant red garment with a blue cloak draped over one shoulder. The coloration and rendering of the fabrics demonstrate the rich, expressive use of color that is characteristic of El Greco’s work. The dramatic contrast between the deep reds and the cool blues further emphasizes the emotional intensity for which El Greco’s paintings are known. The brushwork is dynamic, with fluid lines and a sense of movement, indicative of the Mannerist style which often favored elongation and exaggeration over the more proportionate and harmonious depictions of earlier Renaissance art. The background is relatively dark, allowing the figure of St. James to stand out prominently, with the light seemingly illuminating his face and hands – drawing attention to his expression and the subtle gesture of his hands.
