Jorge Manuel Theotocópuli Facts for Kids

Jorge Manuel Theotocópuli; portrait by his father (c.1600)

Jorge Manuel Theotocópuli de las Cuevas (born 1578 in Toledo – died 1631 in Toledo) was a talented Greek-Spanish artist. He was a painter and an architect. He was also the only son of the very famous painter, Doménikos Theotokópoulos, known as "El Greco".

Early Life and Artistic Training
Developing His Own Style
Focus on Architecture
Later Years and Challenges
Gallery
See also

Early Life and Artistic Training

Jorge Manuel learned how to paint and build by working in his father's art studio. This was a common way for young artists to learn their skills back then. Around 1603, he helped his father create special altarpieces in Illescas. This was his first known work.

Developing His Own Style

Later, in 1607, Jorge Manuel started to work more on his own. He created an altarpiece in Titulcia. Even though it looked a lot like his father's paintings, you could start to see his own unique style appearing.

Focus on Architecture

After his father passed away in 1614, Jorge Manuel became more interested in architecture. He worked mostly in the Herrerian style. This was a popular building style used by architects like Nicolás de Vergara el Mozo. From 1612 to 1618, he helped finish building the City Hall (Casa Consistorial) in Toledo.

A few years later, in 1625, he became the main builder and architect for the Toledo Cathedral. This was a very important job! He worked on building the dome of the Mozarabic Chapel. He also worked on the Chapel of the Eighths (Ochavo). Jorge Manuel even designed a comedy theater called the "Mesón de la Fruta." This theater was taken down in the 1870s.

Later Years and Challenges

Sadly, Jorge Manuel faced financial problems. This happened because of a disagreement with the Hospital de Tavera. His father had started a big art project there but didn't finish it. This situation ended with Jorge Manuel losing some of his property.