Holy Family with St. Anne 1605

El Greco painted "Holy Family with St. Anne" using oil on canvas. The painting immediately strikes one with its elongated figures and ethereal glow. Mary, Anne, Joseph, and the infant Christ are depicted in a composition that defies conventional realism, evoking an otherworldly quality. El Greco masterfully employs Mannerist techniques, distorting the human form and manipulating perspective. This challenges the Renaissance ideals of balance and proportion. Observe how the artist uses a semiotic system of gestures and glances, creating a narrative that delves into the spiritual dimensions of the Holy Family. Consider the artist's handling of color and light, which creates a sense of tension and movement. El Greco destabilizes established visual codes and invites us to engage with new ways of thinking about faith, representation and human form.