Visitation (El Greco) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Visitation |
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| Artist | El Greco |
| Year | 1609–1613 |
| Medium | oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 98 cm × 72 cm (39 in × 28 in) |
| Location | Dumbarton Oaks |
Visitation is a famous painting created by the artist El Greco between 1609 and 1613. It shows a special moment from the Bible called the Visitation. This is when Mary, who was pregnant with Jesus, visited her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist.
Today, this painting can be found at Dumbarton Oaks, a museum in Washington, D.C., USA.
Contents
About the Painting: Visitation
The painting Visitation captures a significant event. It shows the meeting between two important figures from the Bible. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is shown visiting her cousin Elizabeth. Elizabeth was much older and was also expecting a baby, John the Baptist.
The Story Behind the Art
This meeting is a joyful moment. According to the Bible, when Mary greeted Elizabeth, the baby inside Elizabeth's womb (John) leaped for joy. This showed that John recognized Jesus, even before they were born. El Greco's painting brings this powerful story to life.
Who Asked for the Painting?
The Visitation painting was ordered by a woman named Isabel de Oballe. She wanted it for a special chapel. This chapel was called Santa Isabel and was inside the church of San Vicente in Toledo, Spain.
Special Request for the Artwork
Isabel de Oballe had a specific idea for the painting. She asked El Greco to create a scene of the Visitation. She wanted it on a round canvas. This was a unique request for the time. She also asked for a decorated frame, similar to one she had seen in another town called Illescas.
About the Artist: El Greco
El Greco was a very unique and important artist. His real name was Doménikos Theotokópoulos. He was born in Crete, which is now part of Greece. That's why he is known as "El Greco," which means "The Greek" in Spanish.
El Greco's Artistic Style
El Greco moved to Spain and spent most of his life there. He became famous for his dramatic and emotional paintings. His figures often look stretched out and thin. He used bright, unusual colors and strong contrasts between light and shadow. These choices made his art very distinctive.
Why El Greco is Important
El Greco's style was very different from other artists of his time. He is seen as a master of the Spanish Renaissance. His work influenced many artists who came after him. He is remembered for his powerful religious paintings.
