Paintings in the Collection of Henry Clay Frick, 1915 [page 143]

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"EL GRECO" (Dominico Theotocopuli) (1545? - 1614?) THE PURIFICATION OF THE TEMPLE Canvas, 20 inches by 16 inches

The Saviour, with raised right arm, and attired in crimson robe and green mantle, stands in the centre of the picture. To the left, the traders in the Temple carrying away their goods; on the right, other figures, probably the disciples, in yellow, red, light-blue and green robes. Through an arch in the centre is seen a street with white buildings, blue sky and white clouds. Painted between 1577 and 1579. In a recent work on "El Greco" by A.F. Calvert and C.G. Hartley, the authors thus speak of this painting: "The quality of the execution of this singular work, and the analogy it offers with pictures painted much later, places it in a special position as a work of transition that links the Italian epoch of youth with the Spanish epoch of fulfilment. There is no change in the actual composition of the picture; the scene of the background is the same; the male figures are identical, even their attitudes are repeated. Yet the difference between this work and the London pictures is as great as it well can be. The subject has become dramatic. The action has been concentrated and simplified; and all the trifling accessories have been removed. The figures have gained in individuality—become alive; and a splendid idea of movement is gained. Tradition here gives place to personality. We have in this picture the seal of El Greco's originality; he has liberated himself from any youthful imitations of the Renaissance masters. Tintoretto alone can have been remembered in painting this animated 'Purification of the Temple.' " The painting is illustrated in the same volume, plate 21, and has been reproduced in several other books on Spanish art. It has been exhibited in London and in Madrid. 143

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