Virgin Mary (El Greco, Madrid) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Virgin Mary |
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| Artist | El Greco |
| Year | 1597 |
| Dimensions | 52 cm × 41 cm (20 in × 16 in) |
| Location | Museo del Prado, Madrid |
The painting Virgin Mary, also known as Mater Dolorosa, was created in 1597 by the famous artist El Greco. It is an oil painting on canvas and can be seen today at the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. This artwork is one of several paintings El Greco made about the Virgin Mary. It is similar to another painting he made on the same topic, which is now in the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Strasbourg.
Contents
About the Painting
This painting shows the Virgin Mary, who is a very important figure in Christianity. She is shown in a way that expresses deep sadness. This is why the painting is also called Mater Dolorosa, which means "Sorrowful Mother" in Latin.
What is Mater Dolorosa?
Mater Dolorosa is a special name for the Virgin Mary when she is shown feeling great sorrow. This sorrow is usually because of the suffering of her son, Jesus Christ. Artists often show her with a sad expression, sometimes with tears, to show her pain.
El Greco's Style
El Greco was a unique artist who lived a long time ago. He was known for his very special style. His paintings often have figures that are long and stretched out. He also used bright, strong colors and dramatic lighting. This made his artworks feel very emotional and spiritual. He wanted to show feelings and ideas, not just what things looked like in real life.
The Virgin Mary in Art
The Virgin Mary has been a popular subject for artists for hundreds of years. Many painters have created artworks showing her in different moments of her life. El Greco painted her many times, often showing her with a deep sense of faith and emotion. His paintings of the Virgin Mary are known for their powerful feelings.
Who Was El Greco?
El Greco was a Greek painter, sculptor, and architect of the Spanish Renaissance. His real name was Doménikos Theotokópoulos. He was born in Crete, which was part of the Republic of Venice at the time. He later moved to Spain and became very famous there.
El Greco's Life and Work
El Greco learned to paint in his home country. He then traveled to Italy, where he studied with great artists like Titian. Later, he moved to Toledo, Spain, where he spent most of his life. He painted many religious artworks for churches and monasteries. His unique style made him one of the most important artists of his time.
See also
In Spanish: Virgen María - Mater dolorosa (El Greco-Tipo-I) para niños
