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Greek Island Church Hid El Greco Masterpiece for Centuries
Developing
In Short: A painting believed to be by El Greco was discovered in a church on the Greek island of Syros, changing the art world's understanding of the artist's early work.
A small painting in the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin in Hermoupolis, Syros, has been identified as a work by El Greco, which remained undiscovered for 150 years. The painting, depicting the death of Mary surrounded by apostles and the risen Christ, was likely brought to Syros by refugees fleeing the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s.
The painting, created around 1565-1566, was recently identified by a hidden signature and has now been transferred to the Byzantine Museum in Athens for conservation. It was then returned to the church, where it has remained ever since.
Scholars have noted a direct compositional connection between this painting and El Greco's masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, suggesting a significant link in the artist's early career. The painting's journey from Crete to Psara to Syros is not fully documented, but its presence and authorship are now beyond dispute.
The Dormition of the Virgin, painted in the tradition of the Cretan school of icon painting, provides insight into El Greco's early work and his transition from Crete to Venice, likely around 1567.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.
Sources
- aleteia.orglink