51 El Greco Paintings

El Greco, whose real name was Doménikos Theotokópoulos, was a Greek artist who became one of the most renowned painters of the Spanish Renaissance. He was born in Crete in 1541 and studied under the famed artist Titian in Venice before moving to Toledo, Spain, where he spent most of his career. El Greco is known for his unique and dramatic style, characterized by elongated figures, intense colors, and spiritual intensity. His most famous works include "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz" and "The View of Toledo." El Greco's work had a major influence on the development of Spanish and European art and he is considered one of the great masters of the Spanish Golden Age. He passed away in 1614 in Toledo, Spain.

1. Laocoon

Laocoon
  • Artwork Name: Laocoon
  • Year: 1608-1614
  • Medium: Oil On Canvas
  • Dimensions: 142 x 193 cm

2. St. John the Evangelist and St. Francis

St. John the Evangelist and St. Francis

3. Allegory of Camaldolese Order

Allegory of Camaldolese Order

4. Annunciation

Annunciation
  • Artwork Name: Annunciation
  • Year: c.1600; Spain
  • Medium: oil,canvas
  • Dimensions: 91 x 66.5 cm

5. Annunciation

Annunciation
  • Artwork Name: Annunciation
  • Year: c.1610; Spain
  • Medium: oil,canvas
  • Dimensions: 291 x 205 cm

6. Annunciation

Annunciation
  • Artwork Name: Annunciation
  • Year: c.1598; Spain
  • Medium: oil,canvas
  • Dimensions: 114 x 67 cm

7. Annunciation

Annunciation
  • Artwork Name: Annunciation
  • Year: c.1604; Spain
  • Medium: oil,canvas

8. Antonio de Covarrubias

Antonio de Covarrubias

9. Apostles Peter and Paul

Apostles Peter and Paul

10. Apostle St. Andrew

Apostle St. Andrew
  • Artwork Name: Apostle St. Andrew
  • Year: c.1612; Spain
  • Medium: oil,canvas
  • Dimensions: 97 x 77 cm

11. Apostle St. Andrew

Apostle St. Andrew
  • Artwork Name: Apostle St. Andrew
  • Year: c.1610; Spain
  • Medium: oil,canvas
  • Dimensions: 70 x 53 cm

12. Apostle St. James the Greater

Apostle St. James the Greater

13. St. Idelfonso

St. Idelfonso
  • Artwork Name: St. Idelfonso
  • Year: c.1613; Spain
  • Medium: oil,canvas
  • Dimensions: 219 x 105 cm

14. Stigmatisation of St. Francis

Stigmatisation of St. Francis

15. St. Jacobus

St. Jacobus
  • Artwork Name: St. Jacobus
  • Year: c.1600; Spain
  • Medium: oil,canvas
  • Dimensions: 72 x 55 cm

16. St. James the Less

St. James the Less
  • Artwork Name: St. James the Less
  • Year: c.1595; Spain
  • Medium: oil,canvas
  • Dimensions: 62.9 x 50.2 cm

17. St. Jerome

St. Jerome
  • Artwork Name: St. Jerome
  • Year: c.1610; Spain
  • Medium: oil,canvas
  • Dimensions: 168 x 110.5 cm

18. St. Jerome as Cardinal

St. Jerome as Cardinal

19. St. Jerome Penitent

St. Jerome Penitent

20. St. John the Baptist

St. John the Baptist
  • Artwork Name: St. John the Baptist
  • Year: 1579; Toledo, Spain
  • Medium: oil,canvas
  • Dimensions: 212 x 78 cm

21. St. John the Evangelist

St. John the Evangelist

22. The opening of the Fifth Seal of the Apocalypse

The opening of the Fifth Seal of the Apocalypse

"The Opening of the Fifth Seal of the Apocalypse" by El Greco, created circa 1608-14 using oil on canvas, measures 224.5 x 192.8 cm and is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The artwork portrays a vivid and dramatic scene inspired by the Book of Revelation. Central to the composition is a robed figure raising his arms to the heavens, surrounded by a group of anguished, nude souls. The tumultuous sky adds to the expressive, emotional intensity of the scene, characteristic of El Greco's unique and visionary style.

23. St. Sebastian

St. Sebastian
  • Artwork Name: St. Sebastian
  • Year: c.1577
  • Medium: Oil on Canvas
  • Dimensions: 191 x 152 cm

The artwork titled "St. Sebastian," created circa 1577 by the renowned artist El Greco, is an oil on canvas painting measuring 191 x 152 cm. This religious painting, a notable example of the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement, is located in the Palencia Cathedral in Palencia, Spain, where it was also created. The artwork depicts the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, who is portrayed with an expressive and elongated form characteristic of El Greco's distinctive style. The composition reflects the dramatic tension and spiritual intensity central to Mannerism, with the saint’s upturned gaze and poignant suffering conveying a powerful sense of piety and fortitude.

24. The Repentant Peter

The Repentant Peter
  • Artwork Name: The Repentant Peter
  • Year: c. 1600
  • Medium: Oil On Canvas
  • Dimensions: 93.6 x 75.2 cm (36 7/8 x 29 5/8 in.)

"The Repentant Peter" is an oil on canvas painting by El Greco, dated circa 1600, with dimensions of 93.6 x 75.2 cm (36 7/8 x 29 5/8 in.), and is part of The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. The artwork depicts an elderly man with a sorrowful expression, gazing upwards, with his hands clasped in a gesture of prayer or penitence. The viewer is drawn to the dramatic use of light and shadow, which highlights the man's emotional turmoil and spiritual awakening. The darkened background contrasts with the vivid colors of his garment, adding a deep sense of introspection and remorse to the composition.

25. Madonna And Child With St. Martina And St. Agnes

Madonna And Child With St. Martina And St. Agnes

The artwork titled "Madonna And Child With St. Martina And St. Agnes" was created by El Greco between 1597 and 1599. It is an oil on canvas painting measuring 76 1/8 x 40 1/2 inches (193.5 x 103 cm) and is currently housed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington. The artwork portrays the Madonna holding the Christ Child, flanked by two angels on either side above, and St. Martina and St. Agnes below, set against a celestial backdrop symbolizing divinity and spiritual reverence. The elongated figures and dramatic use of color and light are characteristic of El Greco's distinctive style, reflecting his deep religiosity and mastery in evoking spiritual intensity.

26. The Knight With His Hand On His Breast

The Knight With His Hand On His Breast

"The Knight With His Hand On His Breast," an oil on canvas masterpiece by El Greco, measures 31 7/8 by 26 inches (81 by 66 cm) and is housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The artwork depicts a somber figure of a knight, adorned in a dark, formal attire with intricate, white ruffled collars at the neck and wrists. The knight's hand is placed over his chest in a gesture that conveys a sense of solemnity and introspection. The minimalistic background emphasizes the figure’s dignified presence and the detailed rendering of his facial features and attire, showcasing El Greco's distinctive style and mastery in portraiture.

27. St. Louis, King Of France

St. Louis, King Of France

"St. Louis, King Of France," painted by El Greco between 1587 and 1597, is an oil on canvas masterpiece measuring 117 by 95 centimeters. This notable artwork, residing in the esteemed Musée du Louvre in Paris, portrays the French king clad in armor and royal regalia, his gaze steady and his posture commanding. Clothed in rich fabrics and adorned with a crown and scepter, the figure represents sovereignty and stately dignity. An attendant, dressed in contrasting lighter hues, looks up at the king, enhancing the focus on the central figure’s authority. The painting’s masterful use of light and shadow, characteristic of El Greco’s style, imbues the scene with depth and dramatic intensity.

28. Julian Romero De Las Azanas And St Julian

Julian Romero De Las Azanas And St Julian

The artwork titled "Julian Romero De Las Azanas And St Julian," created by the renowned artist El Greco between 1587 and 1597, is an oil on canvas masterpiece that measures 207 by 127 centimeters. It is currently housed at the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The painting depicts a solemn scene in which Julian Romero, dressed in elaborate armor, is accompanied by St. Julian, who kneels in prayer, draped in a voluminous white robe. The detailed composition and expressive faces typical of El Greco’s style provide a deeply spiritual and dynamic depiction, as the narrative of sainthood and chivalry unfolds within the classical architectural setting.

29. St. Jerome, Cardinal

St. Jerome, Cardinal

The artwork, titled "St. Jerome, Cardinal," was created by the renowned artist El Greco between 1587 and 1597. Executed in oil on canvas, the piece measures 111 by 96 centimeters and is housed in the Frick Collection in New York. The artwork depicts St. Jerome, a cardinal, portrayed with a dignified and contemplative expression. The figure is draped in a cardinal's red robe, with his hand resting on a book, possibly symbolizing his scholarly and theological contributions. The dark background emphasizes the solemnity and authoritative presence of the saint, characteristic of El Greco's distinctive, elongated style.

30. St. Ildefonso

St. Ildefonso
  • Artwork Name: St. Ildefonso
  • Year: 1603-1607
  • Medium: Oil On Canvas
  • Dimensions: 222 x 105 cm

The artwork, titled "St. Ildefonso," is an oil on canvas painting created by El Greco between 1603 and 1607. Measuring 222 by 105 cm, the painting features a full-length depiction of Saint Ildefonso, clad in elaborate ecclesiastical vestments and holding a staff and an open book. Rendered in vibrant colors and intricate detail, El Greco employs his characteristic elongated forms and expressive style. The saint’s serene composure, set against a dramatic, swirling background, conveys both spiritual depth and the transcendent quality of religious experience.

31. St. Francis And The Lay Brother

St. Francis And The Lay Brother

"St. Francis And The Lay Brother," a distinguished oil on canvas painting by El Greco, dates back to the period between 1597 and 1603. The artwork, currently housed in the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, measures 168 by 103 centimeters. The artwork portrays St. Francis of Assisi alongside a lay brother, enveloped in a somber and contemplative atmosphere. El Greco's distinct use of elongated forms and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow exemplifies the spiritual intensity and mystical fervor of the scene.

32. Portrait Of A Cardinal

Portrait Of A Cardinal
  • Artwork Name: Portrait Of A Cardinal
  • Year: c. 1600
  • Medium: Oil On Canvas
  • Dimensions: 67 1/4 x 42 1/2 in. (180.8 x 108 cm)

The artwork, titled "Portrait Of A Cardinal," is an oil on canvas created by the renowned artist El Greco around the year 1600. It measures 67 1/4 by 42 1/2 inches (180.8 x 108 cm) and is currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum Of Art in New York. The painting depicts a cardinal seated on an ornate chair, dressed in a richly textured red vestment with intricate detailing, exuding a sense of solemnity and authority. The background features a patterned wall, contributing to the overall composition’s sense of depth and regality.

33. St. Martin And The Beggar

St. Martin And The Beggar

"St. Martin and the Beggar," a masterful oil on canvas by El Greco, dates back to 1597-1599 and measures 76 1/8 x 40 1/2 inches (193.5 x 103 cm). This illustrious artwork, housed in the National Gallery of Art, Washington, depicts the charitable act of St. Martin dividing his cloak to share with a beggar. The scene poignantly captures St. Martin poised on horseback, adorned in detailed armor, while the near-nude beggar gazes gratefully at him. The atmospheric background, characterized by turbulent skies, further accentuates the emotional fervor and spiritual resonance of this iconic narrative.

34. Baptism Of Christ

Baptism Of Christ
  • Artwork Name: Baptism Of Christ
  • Year: 1597-1600
  • Medium: Oil On Canvas
  • Dimensions: 350 x 144 cm

The artwork titled "Baptism Of Christ" by El Greco, created between 1597 and 1600, is an exquisite oil on canvas painting, measuring 350 x 144 cm. This masterpiece is housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The artwork vividly depicts the baptism of Christ, featuring a dynamic composition with elongated figures and swirling forms characteristic of El Greco's unique style. Heavenly figures, including angels and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, enhance the divine atmosphere surrounding the central scene of Christ being baptized by John the Baptist.

35. St. Andrew and St. Francis

St. Andrew and St. Francis

The artwork "St. Andrew and St. Francis," painted by El Greco in 1604, is an oil on canvas piece measuring 167 by 113 cm, created in Spain during the Mannerist phase of the Late Renaissance. Currently housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, this religious painting portrays two prominent Christian saints, St. Andrew and St. Francis, engaged in a solemn, contemplative moment. St. Andrew is seen holding his characteristic cross, while St. Francis, in his humble brown habit, appears in a gesture of reverence. The figures are rendered with El Greco's signature elongated forms and dramatic use of color, set against a turbulent sky that enhances the spiritual intensity of the scene.

36. Penance of Mary Magdalene

Penance of Mary Magdalene

The artwork titled "Penance of Mary Magdalene" is an oil on canvas painting created by El Greco between 1587 and 1597. Measuring 109 by 96 cm, it is housed in the Museu del Cau Ferrat in Barcelona. The painting portrays Mary Magdalene in a moment of penitence, captured with a striking combination of emotional depth and dramatic use of color. Clad in a rich, flowing robe, she gazes pensively with one hand near her chest, embodying a spirit of contemplation and remorse. The composition includes somber elements such as a skull and a crucifix, enhancing the theme of repentance and spiritual reflection amidst a turbulent, yet ethereal landscape backdrop.

37. Pieta

Pieta
  • Artwork Name: Pieta
  • Year: 1587-97
  • Medium: Oil on Canvas
  • Dimensions: 120 x 145 cm

The artwork, titled "Pieta" by El Greco and created between 1587 and 1597, is an oil on canvas masterpiece measuring 120 x 145 cm. It is currently housed in the Stavros Niarchos Collection in Paris. The artwork portrays a poignant moment in Christian iconography, vividly depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the lifeless body of Jesus Christ after the Crucifixion. The emotive expressions and dramatic use of light and shadow exemplify El Greco's distinctive style, conveying a powerful sense of sorrow and reverence.

38. St. Paul

St. Paul
  • Artwork Name: St. Paul
  • Year: 1608-1614
  • Medium: Oil on Canvas
  • Dimensions: 97 x 77 cm

The artwork, titled "St. Paul," created by the renowned artist El Greco between 1608 and 1614, is an exquisite oil on canvas piece whose dimensions are 97 by 77 centimeters. It is presently housed in the Museo del Greco in Toledo. The artwork portrays St. Paul, distinguished by El Greco's hallmark elongated style and dramatic use of color and light. St. Paul is depicted holding a letter, enveloped in a vibrant drapery that contrasts with the dark background, embodying both spiritual intensity and contemplative gravitas.

39. The Burial of Count Orgasz

The Burial of Count Orgasz

"The Burial of Count Orgasz," painted by El Greco in 1586, is an oil on canvas masterpiece measuring 480 by 360 centimeters and located in Santo Tomé, Toledo. The artwork vividly portrays the legendary burial of Count Orgasz, capturing the celestial and terrestrial realms in a harmonious yet dynamic composition. In the upper section, divine figures, including Christ, the Virgin Mary, and various saints, witness the event from the heavens. Below, the count's lifeless body is tended by a gathering of clergy and noblemen, highlighting the painting's intricate attention to portraiture and detail. The piece is renowned for its dramatic use of color, elongated forms, and expressive emotionality, characteristic of El Greco's distinct style.

40. The tears of St. Peter

The tears of St. Peter

"The Tears of St. Peter," an oil-on-canvas work by El Greco created between 1603 and 1607, is a profound and emotive portrayal situated in Hospital de San Juan Bautista de Afuera, Toledo. Measuring 102 by 84 centimeters, the artwork depicts St. Peter in a moment of poignant repentance, characterized by his tearful eyes and clasped hands. The rich, dark background accentuates the dramatic illumination of St. Peter, who is enveloped in a striking orange and blue drapery. The painting's intense emotionality and expressive brushwork are emblematic of El Greco's distinctive style.

41. Veronica

Veronica
  • Artwork Name: Veronica
  • Year: 1576-79
  • Medium: Oil on Canvas
  • Dimensions: 84 x 91 cm

The artwork, titled "Veronica," is an oil on canvas created by El Greco between 1576 and 1579. Measuring 84 by 91 centimeters, it is housed in the Museo de Santa Cruz in Toledo. The painting depicts a woman holding a cloth bearing the serene and divine visage of Christ. The somber background intensifies the focus on the sacred imprint, which is rendered with notable emotional depth and spiritual significance, characteristic of El Greco's expressive and dramatic style.

42. St. Francis kneeling in meditation

St. Francis kneeling in meditation

The artwork, titled "St. Francis Kneeling in Meditation," is an oil on canvas created by El Greco between 1587 and 1597. It measures 105 by 86 centimeters and is presently housed in the Museo de Bellas Artes in Bilbao. The piece depicts St. Francis engaged in deep meditation, draped in a humble robe, with hands clasped against his chest. The somber background, punctuated by a skull and a crucifix, underscores the contemplative and pious nature of the scene, enhancing the spiritual intensity characteristic of El Greco's work. The composition is infused with dramatic chiaroscuro and elongated forms, hallmarks of the artist's distinctive style.

43. The Holy Trinity

The Holy Trinity
  • Artwork Name: The Holy Trinity
  • Year: 1577
  • Medium: Oil on Canvas
  • Dimensions: 300 x 179 cm

"The Holy Trinity," an oil on canvas masterpiece by El Greco created in 1577, exemplifies the late Renaissance art movement known as Mannerism. This religious painting, measuring 300 cm by 179 cm, is housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The artwork depicts the Holy Trinity with an arresting and emotive composition featuring God the Father holding the lifeless body of Jesus Christ, flanked by angels and imbued with divine light symbolized by a descending dove. El Greco's distinctive use of elongated forms, vibrant colors, and a dramatic interplay of light and shadow culminates in a powerful theological representation.

44. The spoliation

The spoliation
  • Artwork Name: The spoliation
  • Year: 1577-1579
  • Medium: Oil on Canvas
  • Dimensions: 285 x 173 cm

"The Spoliation" by El Greco, executed between 1577 and 1579, is an exemplary oil on canvas piece measuring 285 by 173 centimeters. The artwork vividly captures a dramatic scene filled with intense emotion and elaborate detail. Central to the composition is a striking figure adorned in a red robe, surrounded by a crowd, with figures focusing on the central character from various directions. The artist expertly uses light and shadow to enhance the depth and drama of the scene, showcasing his mastery in portraying human expressions and spatial intricacies.

45. Via crucis

Via crucis
  • Artwork Name: Via crucis
  • Year: 1587-97
  • Medium: Oil on Canvas
  • Dimensions: 105 x 67 cm

The artwork, "Via Crucis," by El Greco, created between 1587 and 1597, is an oil on canvas masterpiece measuring 105 by 67 centimeters. The painting depicts a solemn and poignant scene of Jesus Christ bearing the cross, a significant moment from the Stations of the Cross narrative. The artist's unique style is evident in the elongated figures, dramatic use of color, and expressive facial features, bringing a sense of spiritual anguish and divine resolve to the composition. The artwork's dark background and the illuminated figure of Christ accentuate the emotional intensity and spiritual depth of the scene.

46. Baptism of Christ

Baptism of Christ
  • Artwork Name: Baptism of Christ
  • Year: c.1608
  • Medium: Oil on Canvas
  • Dimensions: 330 x 211 cm

The artwork, titled "Baptism of Christ," is an exquisite oil on canvas painting created circa 1608 by the renowned artist El Greco. Measuring 330 x 211 cm, this piece is a prime example of the Mannerism style, characteristic of the Late Renaissance period. The artwork is housed in the Hospital de Tavera in Toledo, Spain, reflecting its religious genre through the dynamic depiction of the baptism scene. Rendered in vivid colors and elongated forms typical of El Greco's unique style, the scene is suffused with spiritual significance and divine presence, illustrating the celestial moment with dramatic expressionism. The artwork captivates viewers with its intricate details and profound narrative, leaving an indelible impression of holy reverence.

47. Christ Driving the Traders from the Temple

Christ Driving the Traders from the Temple

The artwork "Christ Driving the Traders from the Temple," created by El Greco in 1570, is an oil on panel masterpiece associated with the Mannerism movement of the Late Renaissance. Measuring 65 by 83 centimeters, this religious painting originates from Venice, Italy. The artwork vividly depicts the biblical scene of Christ expelling the traders and money changers from the temple. The dynamic composition, characterized by elongated figures and dramatic gestures, exemplifies the artist's distinctive style and expressive use of color, highlighting the chaotic yet divinely inspired moment.

48. St. John the Baptist

St. John the Baptist

The artwork titled "St. John the Baptist," created by El Greco around the year 1600, is an oil on canvas religious painting exemplifying the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement. Measuring 111 by 66 centimeters, the painting is housed in the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA. Originating from Spain, the artwork illustrates a contemplative figure of St. John the Baptist with characteristic elongation and expressive features, holding a cross staff against a dramatic, cloudy backdrop, accompanied by a resting lamb, symbolizing the 'Agnus Dei' (Lamb of God). The employment of vibrant colors and the unique stylization reflect El Greco’s distinctive aesthetic approach.

49. St. John the Evangelist

St. John the Evangelist

The artwork, titled "St. John the Evangelist," is a religious painting executed by the artist El Greco around 1604. Created using oil on canvas, this piece exemplifies the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) movement and measures 90 by 77 centimeters. It is currently housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain, where it was originally created. The painting captures the spiritual and reflective essence of St. John the Evangelist, rendered in El Greco's distinctive elongated and expressive style, embodying the religious fervor and artistic mastery of its time.

50. The Annunciation

The Annunciation
  • Artwork Name: The Annunciation
  • Year: 1576
  • Medium: Tempera on Panel
  • Dimensions: 26.5 x 19.5 cm

The artwork titled "The Annunciation" was created by El Greco in 1576 using tempera on panel. This religious painting, emblematic of the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement, measures 26.5 x 19.5 cm and is currently housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The piece was crafted in Rome, Italy, and portrays a biblical scene with a dramatic and dynamic use of color and form typical of El Greco's style. The visually striking depiction includes an angel delivering the divine message to the Virgin Mary amidst a luminous and celestial backdrop filled with cherubs, all rendered in intricate detail.

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