Ascension of Jesus 1577

El Greco created "Ascension of Jesus" in Toledo, Spain, sometime in the late 16th or early 17th century, using oil on canvas. The painting depicts Jesus being received into heaven by God the Father, surrounded by angels and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove. El Greco's work reflects the intense religious fervor of Counter-Reformation Spain. His elongated figures and dramatic use of color depart from classical ideals, creating an emotional, spiritual impact, that served the Catholic Church's renewed emphasis on personal piety. The painting was commissioned for a church, reflecting the patronage system that shaped artistic production at the time. As historians, we can research the Counter-Reformation, the history of Toledo, and El Greco's biography to understand the social and institutional contexts that shaped the painting. The meaning of this work lies not just in its aesthetic qualities but also in its engagement with the religious and political forces of its time.