El Greco - Delphi Complete Works of El Greco (Illustrated)

El Greco (1541-1614) Contents Delphi Classics 2017 Version 1 Masters of Art Series El Greco By Delphi Classics, 2017

THE HIGHLIGHTS In this section, a sample of El Grecos most celebrated works is provided, with concise introductions, special detail reproductions and additional biographical images.

Initially, El Greco received his training as an icon painter of the Cretan school, a leading centre of post-Byzantine art. In addition to painting, he would have studied the classics of ancient Greece. By the time of his death, he left a working library of 130 books, including the Bible in Greek and an annotated edition of Vasaris Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects. By 1563 records reveal that, at the age of twenty-two, El Greco was a master (maestro Domenigo), indicating that he was already a member of a guild and presumably operating his own workshop. This time of the artists life is now regarded as his Cretan period, which includes the painting Dormition of the Virgin (c. 1566).

Executed in tempera and gold on panel, it was probably completed close to the time when he decided to leave Crete. It combines post-Byzantine and Italian Mannerist stylistic and iconographic elements, while also incorporating stylistic features of the Cretan School. El Grecos signature on the base of the central candelabrum was discovered as late as 1983. This discovery led to the attribution of three other signed works of Domnicos to the artist; namely, the Modena Triptych , Saint Luke Painting the Virgin and Child and The Adoration of the Magi . The Dormition of the Virgin is a Great Feast of the Eastern Orthodox, commemorating the falling asleep or death of Mary the Theotokos (Mother of God), and her bodily resurrection before being taken up into Heaven. The feast is celebrated on 15 August, preceded by a two-week fast, referred to as the Dormition Fast .

From 1 August to 14 August Orthodox and Eastern Catholics fast from red meat, poultry, meat products, dairy products, fish, oil and wine. El Grecos icon retains its function as an object of veneration in the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin in Syros, having probably been transferred to the island during the Greek War of Independence. It conforms closely to the established pattern for the subject, which was common in the Orthodox Church that El Greco knew well. Nevertheless, it has lost some elements of the traditional Byzantine austerity, adopting instead traits of Renaissance engravings. The icon deals with the belief that when the Virgin Mary passed away, she did not die, but rather slept until her soul and body were taken up to heaven and reunited. The Virgin is the central focus of the image, lying with her arms folded on her chest, placed on a bier and surrounded by various bearded figures, who mourn her loss.

A vertical approach guides us to the figure of Christ, who hovers over Mary, holding her soul in his hand. Two apostles are positioned at the extremities of the horizon and a second horizontal plane is created by groups of Apostles and bishops. The vertical approach is further accentuated by the angel at the top centre. El Grecos application of warm gold tones demonstrates the influence of Italian art, which would be an important source of inspiration in his early career. These golden tones are counterbalanced by shimmering red hues and the extreme brightness of Marys halo in the foreground. The artists depiction of light is harsh, as many of the figures in the upper section of the composition appear blurred.

The bristly brushstrokes imbue the image with a raw and austere appearance, hinting at the artists early attempts of establishing a consistent style. Detail Detail Detail Detail Dormition of the Virgin is held today at Ermoupouli, capital of the Cyclades and the Greek Island Syros.