El Greco Prints - Artist Biography
El Greco, real name Doménikos Theotokópoulos was one of the most famous artists to come out from the Spanish Renaissance, although like most artists and sculptors from around this time it wasn't until the 20th Century where he really started to become appreciated. Nowadays, in any art shop worth their salt you will find all manner of El Greco prints to decorate your home.
The story of 'El Greco' begins in Crete, Greece in 1541. At the time this whole area was part of the Republic of Venice, which meant that some Italian style had bled into the area. It was in Crete that he began his art studies. Here he focused on the Post-Byzantine Art, which he ended up becoming a master of. This is one of the art styles which showcases itself in so many of the El Greco prints nowadays. At the age of 26 he decided to leave (more)...
(less)...
Greece and head to Venice. This was something that many popular artists around this time had ended up doing.
Sadly, the information that we have surrounding El Greco's time in Italy is rather limited, as it was for most artists who never really found fame during their time. What we do know however is the fact that he moved to Rome in 1570. It was here that he really began to refine his own art style. It is clear from El Greco Prints from around this era that he managed to blend Mannerism and Venetian Renaissance artwork styles together well. Many people in the local area loved the art that El Greco produced, all of which were sold and crafted within his own workshop.
It was in 1577 that El Greco came back onto the radar with his move in 1577 to Toledo, Spain. He became somewhat of a local celebrity around this time, and was tasked with a number of famous commissions and produced some of his best artwork. Most places which sell El Greco Prints tend to snap them from pictures crafted during this era. Much of his own 'created' artwork from this time tended to have a very local-centric look. Perhaps the most famous example of this is 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz' which was based on a local legend. What is interesting is that El Greco never actually planned to stay in Toledo too long. In fact, his only mission was to get his artwork into the Royal Court. He eventually did receive two commissions here, but he ultimately decided that he loved Toledo so much he would stay there.
Perhaps one of the most interesting things about El Greco was the fact that he didn't really have his own style, and to this day, scholars are arguing about what 'style' you can group him into. What they can agree however is that El Greco was one of the originators of Expressionism and Cubism, both of which are incredibly popular styles today.
I must admit, this is a rather condensed biography of El Greco. However, with a life as long as his with so many fantastic things happening you can never really do it justice. If you are looking for El Greco prints though, you will find that you are in line for some of the most unique artwork ever created.
|
