The artwork titled “Concert of Angels” was created by the renowned artist El Greco around the year 1610 in Spain. This oil painting, measuring 115 x 217 cm, exemplifies the Mannerism style, specifically during the Late Renaissance period. The painting can be classified as a religious painting and is currently housed in the National Art Gallery (Alexandros Soutzos Museum) located in Athens, Greece.
“Concert of Angels” is a visually striking composition that brings together a celestial assemblage engaged in a divine concert. The artwork showcases a group of angels enraptured in the act of making music, an activity often associated with heavenly beings in religious art. The figures are adorned in vibrant, flowing garments that capture the dynamic, almost theatrical approach characteristic of El Greco’s work. The sinuous forms of the angels, from the figures earnestly playing their instruments to those devotedly focusing on the sheet music, epitomize the elongation and exaggerated movements typical of the Mannerist style.
There is a palpable sense of movement within these robes, with brilliant hues of red and green that contrast with the soft, ethereal skin tones, bringing a supernatural essence to the scene. The use of light is subtle but effective, casting gentle shadows and highlights that give form and volume to the angelic musicians. The expressions of the angels are serene and concentrated, suggesting a divine focus and purpose in their music-making. El Greco’s masterful brushwork and use of color create an otherworldly ambiance that draws the viewer into this elevated realm. Overall, the artwork remains an enduring testament to El Greco’s artistic vision and his ability to convey spiritual themes with emotional depth and stylistic innovation.
