Essay Database

The Greek Kyriakos Theotokopoulos was trained as a post Byzantine religious icon painter in Crete and was influenced by the Cretian hagiographic school. He eventually abandoned this style. El Greco was a Spanish mannerist painter. In 1566 he went to Venice, Italy, where he remained until 1570 upon his departure for Rome. While in Venice, he was influenced by the paintings of Titan and Tintoretto (masters of the High Renaissance period). While in Rome, El Greco met …

…the gospel literally by following all Jesus said and did. From the cross in the neglected chapel of San Damiano, Christ told him, "Francis, go out and build up my house, for it is nearly falling down." Both paintings remind me of paintings by my favorite painter, Salvador Dali. I enjoy El Greco’s view of Christianity. It seems to suit his ideas about personal morality (serenity and kindness are what make great men greater?).