description El Greco Overview
El Greco was a Greek-born painter active in Spain, notable for elongated figures in works such as The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, 1586.
help El Greco FAQ
Why is El Greco associated with Toledo?
El Greco settled in Toledo after working in Crete, Venice, and Rome. Many of his best-known Spanish works were made there in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
What is The Burial of the Count of Orgaz about?
The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, painted in 1586, shows a Toledo legend in which Saints Stephen and Augustine descend to bury a nobleman. The painting combines a crowded earthly scene with a visionary heavenly one.
Why do El Greco's figures look elongated?
El Greco used stretched bodies, sharp highlights, and intense color to create spiritual drama. This style differs from the balanced naturalism associated with much Italian Renaissance painting.
Was El Greco actually Greek?
Yes, El Greco was born Domenikos Theotokopoulos on Crete, which was then under Venetian rule. His nickname means the Greek in Spanish.
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