Coronation of the Virgin 1591

“Coronation of the Virgin” was painted by El Greco, sometime in the late 16th or early 17th century. Born in Crete, El Greco spent time in Italy before immigrating to Spain. Here, in this oil on canvas, we see a vision of the Virgin Mary being crowned Queen of Heaven by God the Father and Christ. The dove of the Holy Spirit hovers above her, signaling divine approval. El Greco’s personal experiences and beliefs shaped his art. His works often explored religious themes, reflecting the intense spirituality of the Counter-Reformation in Spain. His ability to blend Byzantine, Italian Renaissance, and Spanish Mannerist styles created a unique and emotional visual language. Through the upturned gaze of Mary we feel a sense of divine humility, while the swirling clouds convey the emotional intensity of religious experience. Instead of maintaining traditional representations, El Greco opts to transcend earthly and spiritual realms, prompting reflection on faith, identity, and the profound mysteries of the divine.