In addition to major altarpieces, El Greco did a booming trade in devotional pictures. Although rarely documented, these work supplied the artist's daily bread and were produced by him and his workshop in impressive quantities. It appears that he had a sort of sample case which could be shown to prospective customers, who would choose from reduced versions stored in a small room. The reason for the popularity of El Greco's devotional paintings is obvious: they are brilliantly rendered, and they also capture the piety and emotion of Counter-Reformation spirituality. Examples are St Peter in Penitence, and Mary Magdalen in Penitence.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 2 minutes): Michael Praetorius: Motet

Preview	Picture Data	File Info	Comment
	The Veil of St Veronica 1580-82 Oil on canvas, 51 x 66 cm Private collection	1030*786 True Color 134 Kb
	Mary Magdalen in Penitence 1580-85 Oil on canvas, 108 x 87 cm Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City	647*812 True Color 118 Kb
	Nobleman with his Hand on his Chest 1583-85 Oil on canvas, 81 x 66 cm Museo del Prado, Madrid	932*1200 True Color 155 Kb
	Portrait of a Gentleman 1580-85 Oil on canvas, 66 x 55 cm Museo del Prado, Madrid	618*800 True Color 63 Kb
	The Disrobing of Christ 1583-84 Oil on canvas, 165 x 99 cm Alte Pinakothek, Munich	604*1020 True Color 123 Kb
	The Virgin of the Immaculate Conception and St John c. 1585 Oil on canvas, 237 x 118 cm Museo de Santa Cruz, Toledo	473*969 True Color 105 Kb
	The Holy Family c. 1585 Oil on canvas, 106 x 87,5 cm The Hispanic Society of America, New York	950*1142 True Color 173 Kb
	St Francis Praying 1580s Oil on canvas, 116 x 102 cm Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, Nebraska	462*555 True Color 42 Kb
	St Peter in Penitence 1580s Oil on canvas, 109 x 90 cm Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle	1000*1205 True Color 139 Kb