For this painting, the artist was summoned by the parish priest to paint, on one of the chapels, the miracle that took place there in 1323: two angels descended from the sky and, with their own hands, buried Gonzalo Luis de Toledo, Count of Orgaz. El Greco creates a piece divided in two large areas:  the celestial one above and the worldly one, where the burial is being held, on the lower section. However, the most outstanding characteristic is the length of the figures, a technique taken from Michelangelo, Tintoretto and Parmigiano, which stretches shapes on purpose, seeking beauty based in stylisation. 

Christ in the olive garden, de El Greco (1600-1607)

Technique: oil on canvas / Measures: 108 x 76 cm - MNBA

Around 1600, El Greco paints another religious scene: Christ in the olive garden. This work belongs to the MNBA and it shows the evolution of his very personal style. Color plays a key role and helps enhance his characteristic anatomic alterations. Take notice of the brush strokes in white, that create an unreal lighting. The shapes seem to have lost weight, thanks to these long and zigzag-y strokes that bring drama and mysticism to the scene. 

Adoration of the shepherds, by El Greco (1612-1614)

Technique: oil on canvas / Measures: 319 x 180 cm

Museo del Prado - Spain

Of elegant figures and studied composition, this Adoration of the shepherds is one of the most important paintings of El Greco's late production.

The shepherd of the right could be a portrait of his son, for this painting was originally destined to the family mausoleum. In fact, the artist painted himself as the kneeled shepherd in front. Take time to see  the sharp perspectives, the nervous yet fluid strokes and, above all, the intensity of colour and the unreal lighting, with the Child as a light source.

2014, the year of El Greco. A chance to meet an artist at large…