From contracts for famous masterpieces to his will: in the footsteps of one of the greatest painters in history
Life and works of El Greco

Life and works of El Greco
The painter Domínikos Theotokópoulos (1541–1614), born on the Greek island of Crete, is now known as El Greco
He took up residence in Seville and became a great artist and the primary master of Spanish Mannerism
This compendium documents his career from contracts for famous masterpieces to his will and testament
Life and works of El Greco
- El Greco. Su vida, su obra
- Leben und Werke von El Greco
Short Description
This precious compendium of twelve historical documents carries the reader off to 16th century Toledo, where he was active as one of the greatest masters of Spanish art history: Domínikos Theotokópoulos, better known as El Greco. Letters with commissions and official documents and contracts, and inventory, and his personal will and testament give an inside look into the life and works of El Greco. These documents are bound up with the city history of Toledo and are an inestimable treasure trove for the study of this genius artist!
Life and Works of El Greco
The painter Domínikos Theotokópoulos (1541–1614), born on the Greek island of Crete, left his homeland in order to develop his skills as an artist. Thus, he came via Venice and Rome to Spain, where he took up residence in Seville and there became known as El Greco and rose to become one of the greatest artists in Spain during his time. Today, El Greco is considered to be the primary master of Spanish Mannerism. He received numerous commissions in Toledo from the most distinguished of patrons. His impressive work – mostly with religious content – appears incredibly modern for its time. Nonetheless, the extravagant compositions of luminous and expressive colors and forms already delighted El Greco’s contemporaries!
The Artist and the Person
This exciting life and work of this exceptional artists is made impressively perceptible in the twelve historical documents from the Archivo Histórico Provincial in Toledo. The documents – most of which are even signed by himself or by his son Jorge Manuel – El Greco’s files contain inter alia his first orders and contracts up to his famous masterpieces. What’s more, there are documents concerning his familiar and professional connections. An inventory and his will complete this priceless bundle for the study of El Greco’s life and field of work.
Probably the Most Famous Artist of Toledo
Since El Greco’s work is directly associated with the important city of Toledo, the city’s history is also involved in El Greco’s personal history. Therefore, Toledo in the lifetime of the artist is brought back to life, e.g. in a drawn cityscape of Toledo from 1563. The documents of the compendium are chronologically ordered and thus also allow the historical events to be comprehended in progression. The historical documents additionally allow for the person behind the genius artist to appear. A unique opportunity to meet El Greco and study his art, which was incredibly modern and forward-looking and remains impressive and fascinating to the present – four hundred years after its genesis!
Codicology
- Alternative Titles
- El Greco. Su vida, su obra
Leben und Werke von El Greco - Style
1 available facsimile edition(s) of „Life and works of El Greco“
El Greco. Su vida, su obra
- Publisher
- Millennium Liber –
- Limited Edition
- 995 copies
- More Information
- Reproduction of the entire original document as detailed as possible (scope, format, colors). The binding may not correspond to the original or current document binding.
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