St Francis's vision of the flaming torch 1605

Editor: Here we have El Greco's "St. Francis's Vision of the Flaming Torch," painted in 1605 using oil paints. I’m struck by the dramatic contrast between light and shadow. It creates such a sense of awe and mystery. How do you interpret this work from a formalist perspective? Curator: Indeed, the dynamism in "St Francis's Vision" resides in its masterful manipulation of light and form. Consider the elongated figures and the attenuated hands—hallmarks of El Greco's mannerist style. The composition is deliberately asymmetrical. How does the use of such strong chiaroscuro impact the viewer's experience? Editor: It’s like the light itself is a physical force, almost sculpting the figures out of the darkness. It makes the scene feel so otherworldly and spiritual. Is the use of color symbolic, or more about creating that intense visual experience? Curator: While color certainly plays a role—notice the muted tones lending an air of austerity—the primary focus, for me, remains the arrangement of forms within space. The way the folds of the robes are rendered, almost independent of the bodies they drape, contributes to the painting’s emotional power. Would you agree? Editor: Absolutely! It's like the fabric has its own life, swirling around the figures. It adds to that feeling of being caught in a divine moment. Thank you for clarifying that the spatial arrangement contributes to the emotional power. Curator: You’re most welcome. Observing how the formal elements work in concert allows us to understand the expressive capabilities of painting. Editor: This was a very interesting deep dive; I'll certainly pay more attention to the interplay of form and light in El Greco's work from now on!