SPANISH PAINTING

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SPANISH PAINTING

• EL GRECO
• VALAZQUEZ
• GOYA

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El Greco (1541-1614)

• Born in Crete, which was then owned by the
  Italian city-state of Venice. He was called El
  Greco as a negative term because his family was
  of Greek descent.
• Full name is Domenikos Theotokopoulos.
• First trained with icon painters, then traveled
  to Venice to complete his education, learning the
  colors, lighting and brushwork of the Venetian
  masters.
• Although supported by some wealthy patrons, art
  critics in Venice did not care for El Grecos
  style, so when a commission from Spain came to
  him, he grabbed it.

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Counter Reformation

• During El Grecos life, Europe was going through
  great religious strife as some countries
  separated from the Catholic church.
• Spain remained Catholic and launched a stringent
  program forcing their population to follow the
  church too. Part of the program included
  spending on religious works of art, including the
  commissions given to El Greco.
• El Greco was attuned to the mysticism of his
  times and his work is deeply spiritual. The
  twisting shapes and elongated features in his
  work reflect the turmoil and distress happening
  in society at the time. His work was like no one
  elses at the time--or for several centuries to
  come.

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The Burial of Count Orgaz (1586)

• The subject is the internment of a nobleman, who
  is helped to heaven by two saints.
• The rich robes and beautiful color of the saints
  contrast sharply with the dress of the mourners.
  The quality of light is luminous, with no clear
  source, though the eye is drawn up to heaven
  floating above the burial scene.
• Where does your eye rest in this picture? Do you
  like the work? Why? Does the work feel
  realistic?

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Toledo (1600-1610)

• A small painting of his adopted home, he
  eliminates the glowing colors of some works, and
  uses only greens, blues and grays. Figures are
  hinted at on the road through daubs of paint.
• The light and twisting shapes are unique to El
  Greco. He stands alone in his combination of
  deep spirituality and precise yet fantastic
  shapes.
• Does this remind you of Van Goghs Starry Starry
  Night? Does the sky feel scary?

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Valazquez (1599-1660)

• Born in Deville, his full name is Diego Rodriguez
  de Silva y Valazquez.
• After studying locally, he was appointed court
  painter at the age of 24 and moved to Madrid. He
  was popular with the king and queen and made a
  part of their household, living in the palace.
• This is a self-portrait of himself as a young
  man.
• Hes known for his portraits and for hidden
  commentary in his works. Here, do you think hes
  showing his support for the crown by the clothes
  and insignia hes wearing?

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Las Mininas (The Ladies-in Waiting) 1656

• The picture shows him painting the five year old
  princess, surrounded by her ladies and court
  dwarfs. The mirror reflects her parents.
• The work is carefully balanced spatially. The
  use of light and the brushwork used on different
  fabrics, hairs, silks, embroidery and other
  surfaces shows masterly control.
• This is a famous painting. What do you think of
  it? Do you notice the person leaving the room?

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GOYA (1747-1828)

• Believed to be the greatest example of the
  Romantic movement, Francisco Jose de Goya y
  Lucientes lived almost 150 years after Valazquez.
• At 39 he became a court painter and by 1799 was
  the first court painter to the Spanish court.
• After 1792 he was totally deaf.
• This is a self portrait.
• Does this picture remind you of Rembrandt? Why
  or why not?
• Why do you think the background isnt painted in?
  What is the focus of the artist?

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Family of Charles IV (1800)

• A deliberate echo of Valazquez, Goya has grouped
  13 members of the royal family, with himself
  standing at a large canvas in the shadows.
• The king and queen are shown with all their
  vanity and physical faults, as a subversive
  message against the monarchy.
• The dazzling color, costumes and lighting are
  hallmarks of Goyas work.
• Does this painting make the monarchy look
  important or silly?

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The Third of May, 1808

• Depicts the execution of Spanish rebels by
  Napoleonic soldiers. The hard reality of the
  picture is a testament to Goyas revolutionary
  views.
• The firing squad is depicted as a many legged,
  faceless monster killing helpless victims.
• The paper lantern is the only light. Thick
  pigment and composition reflect the emotional
  moment.
• What do you think of this picture? Why do you
  think the church is shown in the background? Is
  it upsetting to look at?