Assorted paintings on a red wall.

In the world of art, every masterpiece has its own story, its own journey through time and space. And recently, in an exciting event for the Diocese of Cadiz, El Greco’s ‘The Vision of St. Francis’ has returned to its home in the chapel of the Women’s Hospital after an outstanding exhibition in Milan.

This iconic painting, a jewel of the Renaissance, was loaned by the Bishopric to be part of an exhibition at the Royal Palace in Milan, dedicated to the figure of Domenikos Theotokopoulos, better known as El Greco.

For months, this work from Cádiz was part of a select group of 25 paintings honoring St. Francis of Assisi, showing the skill and depth of the Spanish master’s art.

The exhibition, which ran from October 2023 until last February, attracted art admirers from all over the world, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate not only ‘The Vision of St. Francis’, but also other outstanding works by El Greco and works from various ecclesiastical institutions and internationally renowned museums.

Now, with the return of the painting to Cadiz, a new opportunity opens up for local art lovers and visitors from all over the world to immerse themselves in its beauty in its original location. The Carmen Chapel of the Women’s Hospital will once again host this masterpiece, offering visiting hours from 10.00 to 16.00 hours from Monday to Friday, for those who wish to contemplate it and be inspired by its magnificence.

This is not the first trip of ‘The Vision of San Francisco’ out of Cadiz in recent years. In fact, this third loan in a decade highlights the importance and value given to this work in the international art scene. Previously, the painting was part of exhibitions in Toledo and the Prado Museum, where it underwent detailed studies to deepen the knowledge of El Greco’s technique and style.

The return of ‘The Vision of San Francisco’ to Cádiz not only enriches the artistic heritage of the city, but also provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of preserving and sharing our cultural heritage. Through events like this, we can celebrate the creativity and artistry of artists like El Greco and keep his memory alive for future generations.