El Greco

A feverish intensity can be sensed in many of El Greco’s canvases dating from the 1590s until the time of his death. Baptism of Christ (c. 1596-c. 1600, signed in Greek, as was the artist’s custom), and Adoration of the Shepherds (1612-1614), both in the Prado, Madrid, seem to pulsate with an eerie light generated by the holy figures themselves. In addition, the Adoration figures are enveloped by a steamy haze, observable in other late works, which intensifies the mystical nature of the event.

Subjects of classical mythology, such as the Laocoon (c. 1610 1614, National Gallery, Washington, D.C.), and Old Testament history, such as the unfinished apocalyptic scene Opening of the Fifth Seal (c. 1608-1614, Metropolitan Museum of Art), attest to El Greco’s humanistic learning and his brilliantly personal and novel approach to traditional themes. El Greco died in Toledo on April 7, 1614, and he was buried there in Santo Domingo el Antiguo.