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The Spoliation
(aka The Disrobing of
Christ)
El Greco (Greek/Spanish
Mannerist Painter, 1541-1614)
1577-79
Sacristy
of the Cathedral, Toledo
Oil
on canvas
285
x 173 cm
Jpeg:
Web
Gallery
The Spoliation is considered one
of the most stunning depiction's of Christ, particularly given the luminous
red robe in a crowed of muted figures. The scene depicts Christ at the
foot of the cross as it, as well as he, are prepared for the crucifixion.
The painting hangs at the High Altar
of the Sacristy of the Cathedral in Toledo. The painting was started in
the summer of 1577 and completed in the spring of 1579. This represents
Greco's first documented work in Spain.
He would eventually do additional
versions of this painting, possibly as many as three. There are several,
mainly full-length replicas and copies painted after the one in the Toledo
Cathedral -- many are questionably attributed to El Greco. Copies can be
found in Bilbao, Munich, New York, Florence, Madrid, Orgaz, Toledo, Mallorca,
Chicago, Cardiff, Lyon, Oslo and Zurich.
How many were actually done by El
Greco is unclear [1]
Notes:
The name is from the Web Gallery
1) One place within the Web Gallery
said Greco did three copies of this painting. But under "The
Spoliation" The Web Gallery said there were many copies by other artists
falsely attributed to Greco and only the original is of El Greco. |
