The Martyrdom of Saint Maurice facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Martyrdom of Saint Maurice |
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| Artist | El Greco |
| Year | 1580-1582 |
| Medium | oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 445 cm × 294 cm (175 in × 116 in) |
| Location | Monasterio de El Escorial, Madrid |
The Martyrdom of Saint Maurice is a famous painting created by El Greco between 1580 and 1582. You can find this artwork at the Real Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a grand monastery close to Madrid, Spain.
How the Painting Was Made
The idea for this painting first came from Philip II of Spain, who was the King of Spain at the time. He wanted a painting about Saint Maurice and his brave soldiers, known as the Theban Legion. This artwork was meant to be a special piece for an altar.
King Philip II first asked another artist, Juan Fernández Navarrete, to paint it. But Navarrete sadly passed away in 1579. So, King Philip then gave the job to El Greco. El Greco had just moved to Toledo and was becoming well-known.
El Greco finished the painting in 1583. When King Philip II saw it, he was not very happy with the final result.
What the Painting Shows
This painting tells a powerful story about Saint Maurice and his soldiers. In the front, on the right side, you can see Saint Maurice. He is wearing blue armor and a red tunic. He is surrounded by his officers.
They are all deciding whether to worship pagan gods (gods from old religions) or bravely face death for their Christian beliefs. This act of dying for one's faith is called martyrdom.
Next to Saint Maurice, on his left, is Saint Exuperius. He is holding a bright red banner. Close to him is a man with a beard, believed to be James the Less. He is important because he helped all of Maurice's soldiers become Christians.
You can also spot two figures who look like Spanish soldiers from El Greco's time. The older one is Emmanuel Philibert, Duke of Savoy. He was a leader of Spanish troops in a battle in 1557. The other figure, closer to Saint Maurice, is Alessandro Farnese. He was a general fighting in the Netherlands.
In the background, on the left side, you can see the actual martyrdom happening. There is even a figure who looks like Don John of Austria. He was a famous military leader and the son of Charles V.
High up in the left background, you can see angels. They are waiting to welcome the brave martyrs into heaven.
Want to Learn More?
- List of works by El Greco
In Spanish: El martirio de san Mauricio (El Greco) para niños
