El Greco, a celebrated painter, sculptor and architect of the Spanish Renaissance painted “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz” (oil on canvas) in 1586, measuring 180 inches × 140 inches, which has been considered as the most beautifully crafted religious painting of all time. It was commissioned by a priest at the Santo Tome and its theme is an historical-mystical series of events.

Legend has it that Count Orgaz was a pious man as well as philanthropist and during his burial ceremony the heavens erupted suddenly and the sky was filled with images of saints. El Greco tries to recapture this fable and painted both mortals and immortals in the canvas. According to some art critics, the artist was inspired by Byzantine art while others believe that he was stimulated by Renaissance and other Mannerist artists. The painting is displayed at Iglesia de Santo Tomé, Toledo, Spain. — M.I

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, September 13th, 2015

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