...also known as "El Greco" was a well-known painter born in 1541 in Venetian occupied Candia (present day Herakleion) Crete. While in Crete El Greco painted post-Byzantine icons but the Italian Renasissance drew him to Venice where he studied under the Venetian painter Titian. His paintings during this period were known for lavish color and spindy figures. In 1577 El Greco left Italy for Spain where he was hoping to help paint the Escorial Palace except the King of Spain, Phillip II, felt El Greco's work was somewhat bizarre. He eventually settled in Toledo, Spain and painted commissioned art to earn a living and while here he received the nickname "El Greco." Needless to say Rob and I have enjoyed seeking out El Greco's paintings throughout our travels (Crete, Syros, Paris). The oil on canvas below is called St. Peter c. 1605 and it hangs in the National Gallery in Athens.
PS-There may be future blogs displaying El Greco's work as I (Katie) am planning on meeting my friend Jill in Spain at the end of this month :)
PS-There may be future blogs displaying El Greco's work as I (Katie) am planning on meeting my friend Jill in Spain at the end of this month :)
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