Isolated atop a mountain, a gaunt, tormented Christ
dominates a nearly empty landscape. On a road leading to the walled city of Jerusalem, horsemen pass
by the execution hill, literally turning their backs on Christ. El Greco's use
of dramatic colors and exaggerated proportions distorts the figure, conveying
the transcendent moment when Christ sublimated his physical pain and commended
his spirit to God. Turning his eyes upward toward heaven, Christ looks away
from the bones and skulls that lie at his feet, representative of his triumph
over death. Light illuminates his tortured body against the dark background.
This private, devotional image was meant to encourage contemplation and
spiritual reflection.
Few paintings by El Greco can be entirely attributed to the
artist himself, rather than his workshop. Scholars conclude that the bold
handling of paint on this canvas, which includes undulating contours and
vigorous dashes, confirms that El Greco painted it himself. Purchased by a
Spanish family at a flea market around 1950, it remained in their possession
until recently and is now at the Getty
Museum.
