EL GRECO

Understanding History and Art in Context of the Martyrdom of St Maurice and

the Theban Legion (1579-82) by El Greco

Understanding History and Art in Context of the Martyrdom of St Maurice and

the Theban Legion (1579-82) by El Greco

Introduction

In this log I will discuss the 'History and Art in Context of the Martyrdom of St Maurice and the Theban Legion'(1579-82) by El Greco. In this painting there is clear presentation of the historical events of the time of Reformation and the sufferings of common people and spiritual expression of the good and evil is very clear in this painting. This painting clearly provides the clear presentation of the monarchs and communities and the story of their struggle for purpose. The central figures in this painting clearly provide the idea of the context in the historical background of the legendry warrior St. Maurice who was the leader of the Theban Legion. This painting is the perfect masterpiece of art which not only serves the purpose soothing the aesthetic senses with the dominant themes of blue but also defines the complete historical background of that era in an extraordinary way. This is the main reason for me to choose this as a piece of art because, art is to serve the purpose of not only reflecting the theme but also fulfil the standards of art work.

Discussion

In this painting the main focus and central figure is Saint Maurice, this painting reflects the historical background in which soldiers were against the pagan rites and due to their refusal for this and for being against the Emperor Maximian Herculeus these soldiers faced the punishment. At last when Saint Maurice and his soldiers did not agree on these terms they had to suffer the consequences. They were punished by the death sentence and executed. The refusal of Saint Maurice from worshipping the Pagan Gods is the main reason that made him not following these rules and with his fellow soldiers he followed the new path to fight against Emperor. Saint Maurice is shown as the warrior in the main and central figure which clearly presents his new responsibilities as a leader. In the background of this painting he is shown as the Saint whose tacks is the purification of souls and his treatment with the martyrdom. In the background bottom left there are many people waiting for their turn for the martyrdom and one of the figures just received it. Saint Maurice is also there to receive him in his hands. At the upper left there are different angels and holy figurers which were shown as collecting these souls and caring garlands for these martyrdoms. I am mainly interested in discussing this painting with these two dominant aspects of the painting; one is the historical background and other is to discuss this as an art work.

The most important thing is the division of the painting that attracts the attention. The painting is divided into three regions, front, background and heavenly figures on top ...