Holy Trinity (El Greco)

The Holy Trinity is a painting by the Greek-born Spanish Renaissance painter Doménikos Theotokópoulos, known as El Greco. Painted between 1577 and 1579, it is considered one of his early masterpieces in Spain. The painting depicts the Christian doctrine of the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit, represented as three distinct figures unified in divinity.

The composition draws heavily from Michelangelo's Pieta, showcasing a similar pyramidal arrangement and the presentation of the dead Christ. However, El Greco imbues the scene with his distinctive style, characterized by elongated figures, dramatic lighting, and intense emotional expressions. The upward-reaching figures and swirling drapery create a sense of spiritual ecstasy and movement.

The painting was originally commissioned as part of a larger altarpiece for the church of Santo Domingo el Antiguo in Toledo, Spain, marking a significant commission for the artist as he established his career in the country. Today, The Holy Trinity resides in the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The painting exemplifies El Greco's unique synthesis of Byzantine, Venetian, and Mannerist influences, solidifying his position as one of the most important and individualistic artists of the Spanish Renaissance.