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During the sixteenth century, the Counter Reformation arose in the Roman Catholic Church as a response to the Protestant Reformation. This counter movement was especially intense in Toledo, Spain, where El Greco spent the bulk of his career. Designed to further the Roman Catholic cause, the Counter Reformation dictated that artistic images were to have an emotional effect on the viewer and impart a sense of piety. Consequently, penitence, as exemplified by the Catholic saints, was a common theme.

El Greco--The Greek--was born Domenikos Theotokopoulos on the Greek Island of Crete, hence his nickname. He was one of the first artists to paint the subject of the penitent Saint Peter. The painting reminded viewers of the importance of the sacrament of confession. Notice Saint Peter's hands clasped over his heart--a gesture of despair--his head turned heavenward, and his eyes glazed with tears.

El Greco's saint is not naturalistically rendered. Notice that the figure is exaggerated and somewhat distorted. This is seen especially in the elongated body and the overprominent neck muscles. Look closely at the dramatic light illuminating the figure and the vivid colors used on his clothing.

El Greco's use of lengthened figures, increased emotion, and richly colored costumes is typical of the mannerist style. Mannerism came about as a reaction against the strict artistic principles of High Renaissance painting--a sense of order, balance, and tranquil grandeur. The mannerist style developed in Italy in the sixteenth century, then spread to northern Europe and Spain, where its influence on El Greco was profound.

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