10/1/10
The Trinity (La Trinidad) by El Greco
This oil on canvas painting was implemented between 1577 and 1580, and was one of nine paintings that El Greco made for the monastery of Santo Domingo de Silos. It represents the scene in which God, the most imposing figure in the painting, is holding his son Jesus Christ, who presumably has passed away. The third part of the trinity El Greco is referring to resides in the presence of the dove flying overhead, which is the symbol of the Holy Spirit. All three (God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit) are in a straight vertical line down the middle of the painting. Surrounding them are angels, who are situated in various positions, some with dramatic expressions on their faces.