View of Toledo (c. 1597) by El Greco

View of Toledo - El Greco - c.1599

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Artwork Information

TitleView of Toledo
ArtistEl Greco
Datec.1599
MediumOil on Canvas
Dimensions121.3 x 108.6 cm
Art MovementMannerism (Late Renaissance)
Current LocationMetropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, NY, US
Location Created Spain

About View of Toledo

“View of Toledo” is an eminent artwork by the artist El Greco, dating to circa 1599. This oil on canvas is exemplary of the Mannerism movement that followed the Late Renaissance, portraying a cityscape and landscape genre. It measures 121.3 by 108.6 centimeters. The artwork’s creation took place in Spain and it currently resides at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, located in New York City, NY, USA.

The artwork depicts an atmospheric and dramatic view of the city of Toledo, Spain. The city is portrayed from a high vantage point, allowing for a sweeping perspective of the urban landscape and the surrounding countryside. The dark, brooding sky, filled with swirling clouds, takes up a significant portion of the canvas and imparts an emotional intensity to the scene. Below this charged heavenscape, the city of Toledo emerges with its buildings, winding streets, and eminent structures, including its prominent cathedral and Alcazar visible amidst the undulating hills. The Tagus River can be seen meandering through the landscape, adding a serene element to the composition.

The color palette is dominated by dark greens, blues, and earth tones, which enhance the sense of a brewing storm and the emotional turmoil possibly reflective of the artist’s inner state or the tumultuous times during which he lived. Overall, the artwork stands out for its expressionistic qualities that transcend the mere geographical accuracy, making it a powerful piece that merges landscape with emotional expression.

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