One hundred and fifty drawings were listed in the inventory of El Greco's possession after his death, however, very few of them survived. We know that El Greco considered drawing an activity fundamental importance for an artist. He used drawings to try out poses and test the dynamics of his subjects so as to achieve visual harmony with other elements of a much larger composition.
Summary of paintings by El Greco |
Crete: before 1567 | Venice: 1567-70 | Rome: 1570-75 |
Spain |
1576-80 (page 1) (page 2) | 1581-85 | 1586-90 | 1591-95 | 1596-1600 |
Santo Domingo: 1577-79 | Count Orgaz: 1586-88 | Colegio: 1596-1600 |
Capilla San José: 1597-99 | Illescas: 1603-05 | Apostolado: 1610-14 |
c. 1600 | 1601-05 | 1606-10 | c. 1610 | after 1610 |
Oballe Chapel: 1608-13 | Hospital Tavera: 1608-14 | Drawings | Sculptures |
Subjects |
| Apostles | Saints | Christ | Portraits | |