El Greco is a nickname of Domenikos Theotokopoulos (1541-1614). He was a Greek painter, sculpture and architect who is known for his dramatic expressionistic works and elongated figures. He studied and painted in many European locations. He was part of the Spanish Renaissance and seemed to paint prophecies of art movements to come. President Jimmy Carter once commented that El Greco was three or four centuries ahead of his time.

In this gloomy and shadowed landscape, El Greco seems to have painted a Holy Week horizon. The colors El Greco chose hold the power of this piece. His palette pulls us into this view.

El Greco painted both ahead of his time and completely within it. He showed the gloom that is part of the rhythm of nature and calls us to the glory of just such a sky over just such a land in our own experience.

It does seem true that our vivid memories of the darkness are part of finding the light. May this be so as we live in God each Lenten day.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church