St. Idelfonso 1607

El Greco’s *St. Idelfonso* (1607) is a striking portrayal of the Spanish saint, known for his piety and scholarship. The painting, housed in the Capilla mayor of the Hospital de la Caridad in Illescas, Spain, depicts St. Idelfonso in the midst of writing, his elongated figure and dramatic pose characteristic of El Greco’s Mannerist style. The saint’s intense gaze and the subtle, yet significant, presence of a small statue of the Virgin Mary in the background suggest both his devotion and the spiritual nature of his work. This masterful work is a testament to El Greco’s ability to capture the essence of his subjects with an emotional depth and a unique stylistic flair.