Assumption of the Virgin (El Greco)

Assumption of the Virgin
Artist	El Greco
Year	1577-1579
Medium	Oil on canvas
Dimensions	403.2 cm × 211.8 cm (158.7 in × 83.4 in)
Location	Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago

The Assumption of the Virgin is an oil on canvas painting by Greek artist Doménikos Theotokópoulos, known as El Greco, in 1577–1579. The painting was a central element of the altarpiece of the church of Santo Domingo el Antiguo in Toledo, Spain.^[1] It was the first of nine paintings that El Greco was commissioned to paint for this church.^[2] The Assumption of the Virgin was El Greco's first work in Toledo and started his 37-year career there.^[1] Under the influence of Michelangelo, El Greco created a painting that in essence was Italian, with a naturalistic style, monumental figures, and a Roman school palette.^[1] The composition of El Greco's depiction of the Assumption of the Virgin resembles Titian's Assumption in the Basilica dei Frari in Venice with Virgin Mary and angels above and the apostles below.^[3] On the painting Virgin Mary floats upward which symbolizes her purity, while apostles gathered around her empty tomb express amazement and concern.^[2]