Artwork
The Pentecost
The Pentecost is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist El Greco. It dates from 1600 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.
About this work
Overview
The Pentecost is a 1600 oil painting by El Greco, exemplifying the Mannerism movement. It is housed at the Museo del Prado.
Subject & Meaning
The scene depicts the Pentecost, with a group gathered around the Virgin Mary, who sits centrally in a blue cloak and red dress. The figures display awe and wonder as they receive divine revelation, symbolized by a dove within a glowing orb above them.
Technique & Style
El Greco employed thick paint to create textured robes and faces. The painting features deep colors, including greens, blues, and earthy browns, and utilizes chiaroscuro, with a warm light emanating from the glowing orb to heighten the emotional impact.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Doménikos Theotokópoulos was born in 1541 in Candia (modern Heraklion), the capital of Venetian-ruled Crete, where he was trained in the post-Byzantine tradition of icon painting.
