The Saviour (El Greco) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Saviour |
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| Artist | El Greco |
| Year | 1608-1614 |
| Medium | oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 72 cm × 55 cm (28 in × 22 in) |
| Location | Museo del Prado, Madrid |
The Saviour (which means El Salvador in Spanish) is a famous painting by the artist El Greco. He painted it between 1608 and 1614. This artwork is an oil painting on canvas and is now kept in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
The painting shows Jesus Christ as the saviour of the world. You can see a globe (like a small Earth) under his left hand. This globe represents the world that he is saving.
Contents
About the Painting's Style
El Greco's painting style was very unique. This artwork combines ideas from different art traditions.
Byzantine Art Influence
Part of the painting's style comes from Byzantine art. This was an older style of art from the Byzantine Empire. Byzantine art often used strong colors and flat, symbolic figures. It focused on religious themes.
Counter-Reformation Painting
The painting also includes elements from Counter-Reformation painting. The Counter-Reformation was a time when the Catholic Church tried to renew itself. Art during this period often aimed to inspire strong religious feelings. It used dramatic scenes and clear messages.
Part of a Special Series
The Saviour is one painting from a larger group of artworks. This group is called an apostolado.
What is an Apostolado?
An apostolado is a series of paintings that show Jesus Christ and his 12 Apostles. El Greco was asked to create this special series for a church.
Where the Series Was Made
This particular apostolado was painted for a church in Almadrones. Almadrones is a town in the Province of Guadalajara in Spain. El Greco based this series on other similar works. These other works were found in Toledo Cathedral, another important church.
Missing Paintings
Sadly, not all 13 paintings from this original series have survived until today. Some of them have been lost over time.
