The Apostle Bartholomew (Paul)
El Greco·1610
Historical Context
El Greco's The Apostle Bartholomew (Paul) of around 1610 from his late apostle series depicts one of the twelve in the elongated, luminously painted figuration of his final period, when his style had reached its most individual and formally experimental point. The identification of the figure as Bartholomew or Paul reflects the uncertainty that affects many works in the series — the apostles' identities were sometimes confused by later owners — but the spiritual character is unmistakable. The figure's gaze and posture create the combination of authority and humility characteristic of El Greco's late saints.
Technical Analysis
El Greco renders the apostle with extreme elongation and expressive brushwork, using the flame-like treatment of form that characterizes his most visionary late manner.
