Saint Francis Kneeling in Meditation c. 1595 - 1600

Domenico Theotokópoulos, better known as El Greco, created this painting of Saint Francis kneeling in prayer around the year 1600. The painting depicts the saint in a dark, cavernous space, with a skull and a crucifix visible in the background. El Greco’s elongated figures and the dramatic use of light and shadow are characteristic of his Mannerist style, which was highly influential in the development of Spanish Baroque art. Saint Francis Kneeling in Meditation is a powerful and moving depiction of faith and devotion, typical of El Greco’s religious works.