View of Toledo

An expressive, dramatic landscape by El Greco that became one of his most recognizable works. Researchers say that the style of the Renaissance era is vividly expressed in this painting, through elongated figures and the distinctive way details are depicted. Others argue that with this semi-fantastical atmosphere, the artist aimed to convey the spirituality of the place rather than its realism.

The uniqueness of the painting lies in the fact that it was one of the first such Spanish landscapes of its time — especially with religious buildings depicted in it.

The sky occupies perhaps the largest portion of the canvas. It is alive, somewhat ominous, and dark — as if we are witnessing an approaching storm. The artist achieved this effect through meticulous work with light and shadow. Unsurprisingly, many follower artists, including the Impressionists, were inspired by him.