EL Greco Visoin of Saint John

This painting shows a scene from the Book of Revelation, specifically 6:9-11, in which Christian martyrs cry out for peace. El Greco paints the apostle St. John as a central figure dominating the character with a strong blue cloak, St. John reaches up seemingly out of control with a sure of spiritual ecstacy. The clouds seem to be dancing above giving the scene movement showing it's spiritual importance and the busy background shows possible turmoil within the city. This work represents El Greco’s late style: exaggerated forms, vibrant and unnatural colors, emotionally charged movement, and a collapse of realistic spatial depth. The figures are stretched, almost flame-like.

 

Contrasting with some of El Greco's other works which celebrate the city such as the multiple landscape murals he has made the Opening of the 5th seal reveals Toledo's mystical spirit. Three specific beliefs that are represented are, The importance of theological values is shown in how the city alins with spiritual legends. Visual mysticism is shown in how El Greco reflects on the writings of St. Teresa and St. John. And Cultural isolation is shown in how El Greco's style grew far beyond just Toledo even influencing picassos in pieces like the Les demoiselles d'Avignon.