Saint Bernardino of Siena (El Greco)

Saint Bernardino of Siena (El Greco) refers primarily to a series of paintings created by the Greek artist Doménikos Theotokópoulos, known as El Greco, depicting the 15th-century Italian Franciscan friar and Catholic saint, Bernardino of Siena. El Greco created multiple versions of this subject, reflecting his characteristic style and religious fervor.

These paintings typically portray Saint Bernardino in his Franciscan habit, often holding a symbol associated with him, most frequently the trigram "IHS" (an abbreviation of Jesus' name in Greek). This symbol, radiating light, was propagated by Saint Bernardino himself as a replacement for secular emblems and symbols, promoting devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus.

Stylistically, El Greco's depictions of Saint Bernardino exhibit the elongated figures, dramatic lighting, and intense emotional expression that are hallmarks of his artistic manner. The saint's face is often depicted with a serene, yet contemplative expression, reflecting his piety and devotion. The swirling drapery and vibrant colors further enhance the dramatic impact of the paintings.

Several versions of the Saint Bernardino of Siena painting exist, housed in various museums and private collections. These versions differ slightly in composition, background details, and the saint's pose, but all maintain the core elements of his iconography and El Greco's distinctive style. The paintings are considered important examples of El Greco's religious art and contribute to the understanding of his artistic development and spiritual worldview.