The Entombment of Christ 

El Greco’s painting, "The Entombment of Christ," is a visceral scene rendered with oil on canvas. The first thing we notice is the artist's manipulation of his materials, the way he builds up the paint in layers, creating a luminous and almost otherworldly effect. El Greco was working within a well-established tradition – oil painting was by then a mature technology. But his application was radical. The elongated figures and the intense, almost acidic colors contribute to the painting's emotional intensity. Look closely, and you will see the visible brushwork, and the physicality of the paint itself. The artist's hand is evident in every stroke. This haptic quality serves to heighten the drama of the scene. We can imagine the artist's labour, the hours spent applying pigment to canvas, each brushstroke adding to the overall effect. Ultimately, the painting invites us to consider the relationship between materials, making, and meaning. It challenges us to see beyond the subject matter and appreciate the skill and artistry that went into its creation.