“The Resurrection,” a stunning piece of religious artwork created by El Greco between 1596 and 1600 in Spain, is an exemplar of the Mannerism movement from the Late Renaissance period. This oil on canvas masterpiece measures 275 by 127 centimeters and is housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain. The artwork depicts the momentous Christian event of Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, a subject that has held profound significance within religious painting.
In the artwork, the central figure of Jesus Christ is portrayed with a commanding presence, rising above a group of startled and adoring figures. He is presented almost ethereally, bathed in a divine light that seems to emanate from his own form. Christ’s upward gesture and serene gaze convey an essence of triumphant divinity and the realization of prophecy. The draped red cloth adds a vivid splash of color against the predominant earthy tones, symbolizing sacrifice and resurrection. The banner of victory, a common motif in depictions of the resurrection, is firmly grasped in his hand.
Surrounding Christ are the various figures, depicted in the expressive and exaggerated manner typical of Mannerist art. The composition displays elongated bodies and contorted postures, giving the scene a sense of dramatic intensity and emotional fervor. The arrangement of the figures guides the viewer’s gaze toward the resurrected Christ, while the dynamic swirls of the composition imply a tumultuous moment of awe and recognition. El Greco’s distinctive palette and the interplay of light and shadow further enhance the supernatural atmosphere of this momentous event.
