The brushwork on the hands became increasingly loose and less defined as El Greco's style evolved.
We can see how the solid hands of his early period give way to more schematic forms, skilfully rendered with inconclusive brushstrokes.
He outlined his figures more boldly and deliberately disrupted the
We can see how the solid hands of his early period give way to more schematic forms, skilfully rendered with inconclusive brushstrokes.
He outlined his figures more boldly and deliberately disrupted the
continuity of their silhouettes to underscore the contrast between one area and the next. To achieve this pictorial effect, he used a subtractive method. After modelling the ground layer in reddish-brown tones, he applied layer upon layer of glazes that allowed him to heighten or subdue the light in the areas he wished to emphasise.
Click on each painting to display the layers.
- KEY
- The Annunciation ca.1576
- The Annunciation ca.1596-1600
- Christ with the Cross ca.1587-1596
- The Immaculate Conception ca.1608-1614