“St. Martin and the Beggar” is an exquisite artwork created by the artist El Greco circa 1598 in Spain. This oil on canvas painting is a significant work from the Mannerism period, particularly in the Late Renaissance. With its dimensions of 191 cm by 98 cm, the painting falls under the genre of religious painting. The artwork is currently housed in the National Gallery of Art, located in Washington, DC, United States.
The artwork presents a dramatic and compassionate scene where St. Martin, depicted as a mounted soldier, encounters a beggar. The pale horse stands calmly, occupying a substantial portion of the frame, reinforcing the gravity of the narrative. St. Martin’s attire is rich and detailed, with ornate armor that reflects his status, and his face portrays a serene resolve. The distinct elongation of the figures—a characteristic of Mannerist style—is evident here, particularly in the limbs of both St. Martin and the beggar. The beggar, shown nearly nude save for a draped green cloth, looks up towards St. Martin with a gesture of supplication. The contrasting status of the figures is further emphasized by their clothing and physical positioning, yet there is an undeniable connection in their gaze and the imminent charitable act. The deep, moody sky in the background adds to the emotive intensity of the scene, with the dynamic brushstrokes and use of color highlighting El Greco’s unique artistic vision.
