The Disrobing of Christ Painting at Toledo Cathedral, Toledo
The painting "The Disrobing of Christ" by Domenikos Theotocópoulos (El Greco) took two years to create. It was done on commission for the high altar of the sacristy of the Cathedral of Toledo. It was finished in 1579, but it was received not without controversy. The painting was valued at 950 ducats. El Greco was paid only 350.
The commissioners were displeased at some of the figures and colors in the painting. El Greco agreed to remove some of the figures but failed to do so. While the church fathers were not completely satisfied with the work, critics have acclaimed the painting as a "masterpiece of extraordinary originality."
The canvas is alive with color and movement. Christ, in the center of the vertically oriented scene, wears the purplish red robes of martyrdom. His expression is elevated and serene. His tormentors, all clad in dark colors or armor, press around him. They appear agitated. They point and gesticulate. The three Marys look on in anguish.
More than 17 versions of the painting are known to exist. The Disrobing immediately became hugely successful. Replica versions, including at least two by the Master, can be found in museums such as the National Gallery in Oslo, the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, and Upton House in Warwickshire, England.
The commissioners were displeased at some of the figures and colors in the painting. El Greco agreed to remove some of the figures but failed to do so. While the church fathers were not completely satisfied with the work, critics have acclaimed the painting as a "masterpiece of extraordinary originality."
The canvas is alive with color and movement. Christ, in the center of the vertically oriented scene, wears the purplish red robes of martyrdom. His expression is elevated and serene. His tormentors, all clad in dark colors or armor, press around him. They appear agitated. They point and gesticulate. The three Marys look on in anguish.
More than 17 versions of the painting are known to exist. The Disrobing immediately became hugely successful. Replica versions, including at least two by the Master, can be found in museums such as the National Gallery in Oslo, the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, and Upton House in Warwickshire, England.
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The Disrobing of Christ Painting at Toledo Cathedral on Map
Sight Name: The Disrobing of Christ Painting at Toledo Cathedral
Sight Location: Toledo, Spain (See walking tours in Toledo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Toledo, Spain (See walking tours in Toledo)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Toledo, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Toledo
Creating your own self-guided walk in Toledo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Toledo's Ancient Walls, Gates and Bridges
Other than its signature “Toledo steel”, the Spanish city of Toledo is known for its historic architecture, particularly the ancient mammoth fortifications – a testament to the strength of the city that has maintained its borders for well over a thousand years.
Toledo's soaring walls were first built by the Romans in the 3rd century AD and then further expanded, over the following... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Toledo's soaring walls were first built by the Romans in the 3rd century AD and then further expanded, over the following... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
El Greco's Masterpieces
Domnnikos Theotokopoulos, most widely known as El Greco or "The Greek," was a Greek painter, sculptor, and architect of the Spanish Renaissance. El Greco was well ahead of his time. His dramatic and expressionistic style is regarded as a precursor of both Expressionism and Cubism of the 20th century.
El Greco was born in Crete, Greece, and studied painting in Italy. In 1577, he... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
El Greco was born in Crete, Greece, and studied painting in Italy. In 1577, he... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Toledo Introduction Walking Tour
Located on the banks of the Tagus River in Spain, Toledo is called the "City of the Three Cultures." The cultures would be Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. They didn't always get along, but each has left its mark. Romans visited the area as early as 193 BC. Roman historian Livy referred to the city as "a small city, but fortified by location."
In 546, the early... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
In 546, the early... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles