Description
The painting Apostle St Thomas by the artist El Greco is a masterpiece of the 16th century Mannerist style. The composition of the painting is very interesting, as it shows Saint Thomas, one of Jesus' apostles, touching the wound in Christ's side. El Greco depicts Saint Thomas with an expression of wonder and wonder, while the figure of Christ is slightly leaning towards him, as if he is allowing Saint Thomas to touch his wound.
The coloring of the painting is very striking, with dark, rich tones contrasting with the lighter, brighter skin tones of the characters. El Greco uses a technique called "tenebrism", which involves the use of strong contrasts of light and shadow to create a dramatic effect.
The history of the painting is fascinating, as it was commissioned by a Spanish nobleman named Diego de Castilla in 1608. The painting was originally housed in the Castilla family chapel in the church of San Vicente in Toledo, Spain. After the expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767, the painting was transferred to the church of San Ginés in Madrid, where it remained until it was sold at auction in 1908.
A little known aspect of the painting is that El Greco used his own face as a model for the figure of Saint Thomas. This can be seen in the way the figure is depicted with a beard and mustache similar to the artist's own.
In short, Apostle St Thomas is a masterpiece of Mannerist art that stands out for its dramatic composition, striking colouring, and fascinating history. In addition, the use of El Greco's own face as a model for Saint Thomas adds a unique and personal touch to the painting.