Christ Crucified With Toledo In The Background 

El Greco painted this crucifixion scene using oil on canvas, a traditional method allowing rich colors and textures. He built up layers of paint to achieve a luminous effect, especially noticeable in Christ’s elongated figure and the stormy sky. El Greco’s technique involved both meticulous brushwork and expressive, almost frantic strokes, particularly in the city of Toledo below. This duality reflects the emotional intensity of the scene and the physical labor invested in its creation. It connects to the tradition of icon painting, where meticulous craftsmanship merges with spiritual expression. The intense drama and the sheer amount of work it embodies challenge any neat distinction between fine art and craft.