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This exciting life and work of this exceptional artists is made impressively perceptible in the twelve historical documents from the Archivo Histórico Provincial in Toledo.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 The historical documents additionally allow for the person behind the genius artist to appear.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!