# The Assumption of the Virgin **El Greco** (Spanish, 1541–1614) 1577–79 Oil on canvas 403.2 × 211.8 cm (158 3/4 × 83 7/16 in.); Framed: 461.6 × 256.5 × 14 cm (181 3/4 × 101 × 5 9/16 in.) Courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago, 1906.99. [The museum's record](https://www.artic.edu/artworks/87479). ## About this work This painting was the central element of an altarpiece that was El Greco’s first major Spanish commission and large public work. The Virgin floats upward on the crescent moon, a symbol of her purity, while the apostles express amazement and concern. El Greco’s broad brushstrokes and bold color made this painting a favorite of modern artists such as Pablo Picasso and Mary Cassatt. _Text from the Art Institute of Chicago._ El Greco painted this in 1577–79, aged about 36. It is now at the Art Institute of Chicago. ### What you’re looking at Painting of the Virgin Mary ascending to heaven amongst multitude of angels. _Description from the Art Institute of Chicago._ ### How it was made - **Oil paint.** Pigment ground in a drying oil, usually linseed. It dries slowly, so painters could blend on the canvas, build up thin translucent glazes, and rework a picture over weeks. Canvas replaced wooden panels in the 1500s because it is lighter and can be rolled. ### [El Greco](https://www.ochreeditions.com/artists/el-greco) Spanish, 1541–1614; born in Iráklion (Candia); died in Toledo El Greco, “the Greek”, was born in Crete and trained in the Byzantine icon tradition before studying Venetian painting and working in Rome. From 1577 he lived in Toledo, where his first major commission was the high altarpiece of Santo Domingo el Antiguo, to which The Assumption of the Virgin belongs. His mature style, with elongated figures, flickering light and acid colour, found few imitators in his time but was rediscovered with enthusiasm by modern painters. _Written by Ochre Editions._ ## Facts - Type: Painting - Culture: Greece - The artist was about 36 - Real size: about 159 × 83 in (403 × 211 cm). The original is larger than our largest print, 30 × 40 in, so every print is a reduction. - Century: 16th century - Subjects: Virgin Mary, religious, religious scenes, religious figures, death, moon, men, cherubs - Colour: brown - Rights: public domain (CC0 1.0); free to use for any purpose. ## Get it - Free download, full resolution: https://img.ochreeditions.com/m/237.jpg?dl=1 - Image: https://img.ochreeditions.com/a/237/1920.jpg - Giclée reproduction on Hahnemühle Photo Rag: 8 × 10 in $28; 11 × 14 in $38; 12 × 16 in $42; 16 × 20 in $56; 18 × 24 in $68; 20 × 30 in $86; 24 × 36 in $108; 30 × 40 in $148 - Framed reproduction: 8 × 10 in $78; 11 × 14 in $98; 12 × 16 in $108; 16 × 20 in $138; 18 × 24 in $164; 20 × 30 in $208; 24 × 36 in $258; 30 × 40 in $338 - Canvas reproduction: 8 × 10 in $58; 11 × 14 in $72; 12 × 16 in $79; 16 × 20 in $98; 18 × 24 in $118; 20 × 30 in $148; 24 × 36 in $178; 30 × 40 in $228 - Print-ready file: 8 × 10 in $2; 11 × 14 in $2; 12 × 16 in $3; 16 × 20 in $3; 18 × 24 in $3; 20 × 30 in $5; 24 × 36 in $5; 30 × 40 in $5 Sizes stop where the museum's file would print below 150 pixels per inch. Everything sold is a reproduction, made to order. [Order a print](https://www.ochreeditions.com/art/the-assumption-of-the-virgin-aic-87479).