St. John the Evangelist 1604

"St. John the Evangelist", painted in 1604 by El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos), is a captivating portrait of the biblical apostle. El Greco's signature elongated figures and dramatic use of color are evident in this work. St. John is depicted with an ethereal quality, his gaze directed downwards, his hand outstretched, and a chalice with a serpent emerging from it. The swirling clouds in the background and the saint's delicate features contribute to the mystical atmosphere of the painting. This work is a prime example of El Greco's unique style that fuses Byzantine influences with Italian Mannerism. Currently, it is housed in the Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain.