This temporary exhibition at the Museo del Greco connects historical archival documents related to Doménico Theotokopoulos with his masterpieces. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to see how archival documentation influenced the painter's works, showcasing a dialogue between paper records and final artworks.
Timed to coincide with International Archives Day, the Museo del Greco presents 'Sobre el papel' (On Paper), an exhibition that draws a compelling link between historical documents pertaining to Doménico Theotokopoulos and the artworks housed within the museum. This exhibition provides a remarkable chance for visitors to explore how archival documentation directly influenced the painter's creations, creating a dialogue between the idea on paper and the final, recognizable pieces.
The exhibition is structured into two primary sections. The first section highlights the contributions of early researchers of El Greco's life and work, notably Manuel Bartolomé Cossío and Francisco de Borja San Román. These figures were instrumental during a period of artistic revival, solidifying El Greco's status as a pivotal figure and a progenitor of the Spanish school of painting.
The second section focuses on documentation related to the painter, sourced from the Archivo Histórico Provincial de Toledo and the Archivo Histórico Nacional. This material is organized thematically to cover his personal life, artistic output, and enduring legacy. Aspects of his personal life include documents concerning his residential leases and his role as an interpreter in a 1582 Inquisition process. Examples of his work and legacy are represented by a 1629 document referencing 'Vista y plano de Toledo' and portraits of the Covarrubias brothers, both significant pieces in the museum's collection. Additionally, a document signed by Matías Moreno in 1892, related to 'El entierro del señor de Orgaz,' addresses the painting's historical journey. The exhibition also touches upon Luis Tristán, completing a brief exploration of the Cretan artist's life. For the first time at the Museo del Greco, visitors can experience El Greco's impact not only artistically but also through documentary evidence.