Here we have El Greco's Assumption of the Virgin. This late 16th century artwork is oil on canvas and measures, in round numbers, 159 inches by 83 inches. It was the central element of an altarpiece commissioned for the church of Santo Domingo el Antiguo in Toledo, Spain, a cloistered Cistercian convent. The painting hung over the main altar. It is now found in the Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois, USA.
This artwork, like Titian's, shows Mary joyfully being assumed into heaven. As one can see, this painting includes the element of the Apostles standing by Our Lady's empty casket in astonishment. This event is portrayed in many other artworks but this one seems to show it with unusual clarity. When one remembers that El Greco initially trained as a icon artist, this is particularly remarkable.
This painting transferred ownership many times before being received by the Art Institute of Chicago. One can read about its journey at the above link.

No comments:
Post a Comment