Bartholomew the Apostle 1610 - 1614

El Greco painted 'Bartholomew the Apostle' during a period of intense religious and political upheaval in Europe. Bartholomew, draped in white, looks away with his head turned to the right; the saint holds a knife in his right hand, the instrument with which he was martyred. The chained demon at his side embodies evil conquered by faith. El Greco, a Greek artist working in Spain, infused this work with a deeply personal and mystical interpretation of Catholic Counter-Reformation ideals. The painting explores themes of spiritual devotion and the battle against heresy, reflecting the intense religious environment of the time. The artist seems to ask us: what does it mean to have unwavering faith and how does this resonate within our own lives? In his distinctive style, El Greco captures the emotional intensity of religious experience, blending traditional iconography with his unique artistic vision, to convey the power and struggle inherent in faith.