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Saint Francis

ca. 1600–1605
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
This head of Saint Francis was cut from a larger canvas. Originally it showed the saint half-length against a nocturnal sky, staring at a luminous cloud while gesturing to a skull and crucifix in front of him. During his lifetime, El Greco was famous for pictures of Saint Francis of Assisi, many painted entirely by the master’s assistants. Here the execution is of unexpected quality, with a play of textures and highlights typical of El Greco’s later years.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Saint Francis
  • Artist: El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos) (Greek, Iráklion (Candia) 1541–1614 Toledo)
  • Date: ca. 1600–1605
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 17 15/16 × 15 11/16 in. (45.5 × 39.9 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: On loan from The Hispanic Society of America, New York, NY
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings