St. Francis and Brother Rufus 1606

"St. Francis and Brother Rufus" (1606), by the renowned Spanish painter El Greco, depicts the titular figures in a moment of intense spirituality. The elongated forms and dramatic lighting are hallmarks of El Greco's signature style. The painting showcases the artist's unique mannerist approach with its vibrant colors and exaggerated proportions. St. Francis, a figure central to the Franciscan Order, holds a skull, a symbol of mortality, while Brother Rufus kneels in prayer. Located in the El Greco Museum, Toledo, Spain, this painting is a powerful testament to El Greco's mastery of religious iconography.