El Greco and His Patrons: Three Major Projects

Richard G Mann, Francis Haskell, Nicholas Penny,

ISBN 10: 0521389437 / ISBN 13: 9780521389433

Published by Cambridge University Press July 1989, 1989

About this Item

The bold and unusual religious paintings of the Spanish artist El Greco (c. 1541-1614) have aroused widespread interest and wonder, yet little has been known about the artist's patrons. This is a comprehensive study of the several individuals who financed, encouraged and influenced El Greco's extraordinary artistic endeavours. Mann reconstructs the lives of several of the artist's patrons and demonstrates how El Greco's pictorial ensemble reflected the patrons' concerns. Thus the actual context of El Greco's work is established. The book indicates that the artist's patrons helped to shape both the style and iconography of the paintings, and clarifies the precise nature of the connection between the paintings and Spanish mysticism. In studying the purposes and meaning of El Greco's religious paintings, the author thereby provides the basis for an alternative interpretation of the artist's work and presents many insights into life in sixteenth-century Spain. Mann presents an alternative interpretation of El Greco's work and presents many insights into life in sixteenth-century Spain. Slight scratching/scuffing on cover. Book has minor shelf wear. Seller Inventory # 67589

Bibliographic Details

Title: El Greco and His Patrons: Three Major ...

Publisher: Cambridge University Press July 1989

Publication Date: 1989

Binding: Trade Paperback

Condition: Used - Good

About this title

Synopsis:

The bold and unusual religious paintings of the Spanish artist El Greco (c. 1541–1614) have aroused widespread interest and wonder, yet little has been known about the artist's patrons. This is a comprehensive study of the several individuals who financed, encouraged and influenced El Greco's extraordinary artistic endeavours. Mann reconstructs the lives of several of the artist's patrons and demonstrates how El Greco's pictorial ensemble reflected the patrons' concerns. Thus the actual context of El Greco's work is established. The book indicates that the artist's patrons helped to shape both the style and iconography of the paintings, and clarifies the precise nature of the connection between the paintings and Spanish mysticism. In studying the purposes and meaning of El Greco's religious paintings, the author thereby provides the basis for an alternative interpretation of the artist's work and presents many insights into life in sixteenth-century Spain.

Book Description:

Richard Mann reconstructs the lives of several of El Greco's patrons who have shaped both the style and iconography of the painter. Mann presents an alternative interpretation of the artist's work and presents many insights into life in sixteenth-century Spain.