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The Holy Family with Mary Magdalen
Created c. 1590–95
Curatorial Overview
“The seemingly weightless figures, the startling color combinations, and the moody, imprecise setting all show El Greco’s interest in conveying the intense spirituality of these figures rather than their concrete reality. Above all, the painting addresses Mary’s role as mediator between Christ and the viewer. She supports her son, but her faraway look indicates awareness of his fate. Mary feeds Jesus fruit held by Joseph that is full of symbolic meaning, with the apple representing the fall of man; cherries, the blood of Christ; peaches, salvation; and pears, the sweetness of Christ’s virtue.”
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensions{"framed":{"height":1.6,"height_inch":63,"height_inch_fraction":0,"width":1.31,"width_inch":51,"width_inch_fraction":0.5625,"depth":0.075,"depth_inch":2,"depth_inch_fraction":0.9375},"unframed":{"height":1.3,"height_inch":51,"height_inch_fraction":0.1875,"width":1,"width_inch":39,"width_inch_fraction":0.375}}
OriginSpain
InstitutionThe Cleveland Museum of Art
Accession No.1926.247
Credit LineGift of the Friends of The Cleveland Museum of Art in memory of J. H. Wade
Curatorial Affinity Stream
Continuing the Universe of El Greco (Spanish, 1541–1614)
European Painting and Sculpture • Spain • Harmonious Works & Contemporaries
Continuous Discovery