Saint Bernardino of Siena (El Greco) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint Bernardino of Siena |
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| Artist | El Greco |
| Year | 1603 |
| Medium | oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 269 cm × 144 cm (106 in × 57 in) |
Saint Bernardino of Siena is a famous painting created in 1603 by a Spanish artist known as El Greco. This artwork is owned by the Museo del Prado, a big art museum in Spain. However, you can see it displayed at the El Greco Museum in Toledo, Spain.
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About the Painting
This painting shows Bernardino of Siena, who was a very important saint. He is wearing the special clothes of a Franciscan monk. In his hand, he holds a cane with the letters "IHS" on top. This is a special symbol for the Holy Name of Jesus. Under his left arm, he holds a book.
How the Painting Was Made
The painting was ordered for a university college in Toledo named after Saint Bernardino. El Greco was paid 3,000 reales for his work in February 1603. The painting was finished and ready by September of the same year.
What You See in the Background
If you look closely at the left side of the painting, you will see a landscape of the city of Toledo. This part of the painting shows some buildings that no longer exist today. For example, you can see the monastery of San Bartolomé de la Vega, which was destroyed during a big conflict called the Peninsular War. The Montero Chapel, another building in the background, has also disappeared over time.
The Three Special Hats
On the right side of the painting, near the bottom, you can see three special hats called mitres. These are the tall, pointed hats that bishops wear. Each mitre represents a different area, or "bishopric," that Saint Bernardino was asked to lead. He was offered to become the bishop of Siena, Urbino, and Ferrara. However, he chose to say no to all three offers.
