Portrait of Juan Pardo de Tavera facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Portrait of Juan Pardo de Tavera |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Artist | El Greco |
| Year | 1609 |
| Medium | oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 103 cm × 82 cm (41 in × 32 in) |
| Location | Hospital de Tavera, Toledo |
The Portrait of Juan Pardo de Tavera is a famous painting by the artist El Greco. He painted it in 1609 using oil paints on a canvas. Today, you can see this artwork at the Hospital de Tavera in Toledo.
The hospital was actually started by the person in the painting, Juan Pardo de Tavera. He was an important leader in the church, called a cardinal. Even though Juan Pardo de Tavera passed away in 1545, El Greco painted his portrait many years later. To do this, El Greco used a special mask of the cardinal's face. This mask was made by another artist named Alonso Berruguete.
Contents
Who Was Juan Pardo de Tavera?
Juan Pardo de Tavera was born in 1472 and became a very powerful person in Spain. He was a cardinal, which is a high-ranking official in the Catholic Church. Cardinals often advise the Pope and can even vote for a new Pope.
Tavera also held important government jobs. He was the Archbishop of Toledo, a very important religious position. He also served as the Grand Inquisitor, a leader in the Spanish Inquisition. He was a key figure in both religious and political life in Spain.
About the Painting
Why Was it Painted?
This painting was made to honor Cardinal Tavera. Even though he had died many years before, his legacy was still very important. The Hospital de Tavera, which he founded, wanted a portrait of him. This showed respect for his work and his role in the community.
How El Greco Painted It
Since Cardinal Tavera was no longer alive, El Greco could not paint him from real life. Instead, he used a special "funerary mask." This was a mold or cast made of the cardinal's face after he died. It helped El Greco capture his features accurately.
El Greco was known for his unique style. His paintings often feature long, stretched-out figures and dramatic colors. In this portrait, you can see his skill in showing the cardinal's serious and wise expression. The painting is a great example of El Greco's later work.
Where is the Painting Now?
The painting is kept at the Hospital de Tavera in Toledo, Spain. This hospital is a historic building that Cardinal Tavera himself helped to establish. It's a fitting place for his portrait to be displayed. The hospital is now also a museum, allowing many people to see this important artwork.
See also
- List of works by El Greco
- In Spanish: Retrato del cardenal Tavera para niños
