St. Idelfonso 1613

Curator: Before us hangs El Greco's "St. Ildefonso," completed around 1613. Editor: Striking! The elongated figure and swirling sky create an otherworldly feel. The texture in the robe seems almost palpable, and how the greens interact with the yellows is unusual. Curator: It's quite characteristic of his late period. El Greco, though born in Crete, was deeply influenced by the Venetian and Roman traditions before settling in Toledo. We can consider this work a fascinating amalgamation of various influences. Think about how the painter approached this work using oil paint. What sort of training and labor goes into producing paintings such as this one? What was his workshop like? These are the questions I'm always interested in, how his life and process informed what's put on the canvas. Editor: Yes, Toledo provided fertile ground for his highly individual style. I find it particularly intriguing how he used contrasting colours and distorted proportions to convey a sense of religious ecstasy. Looking at how his body elongates within the frame contributes to the idea of his divinity. Curator: His patronage is crucial as well. This piece was, after all, commissioned for a church. Considering who purchased his paintings and who viewed them will enhance your appreciation. I suspect it had some symbolic use related to Catholic reforms being instituted in Toledo during that era. What the consumers thought about him would provide a wealth of information. Editor: Absolutely, though one cannot overlook the technical mastery at play. Note the swirling patterns of paint which draw your eye upward. They contrast magnificently with the saint's serene face. Even with the lack of naturalistic proportion, there's such incredible control here that leads the viewers through every part of his outfit. Curator: In conclusion, understanding both the labor that goes into its material construction and how religious fervor was taking over Spanish society at this point allows viewers to connect with history at large, through a single man standing. Editor: I agree. Close observation reveals not just an image of St. Ildefonso, but the inner world that Greco constructed and poured out. It has so much more to tell those who know how to see.