On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P07657
- Author
- El Greco (Spanish)
- Title
- Fable
- Chronology
- Ca. 1600
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 50,5 cm x 63,6 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COMPRA
- Procedence
- Acquisition, 1993
This scene of a young man blowing
on burning embers was already
developed by El Greco in Italy.
Here, the motif is complicated by a
mischievous young man and a monkey.
This possible allegory of sexual
desire may also be inspired by a
classical work that was often used
at that time, Pliny the Elder's
Natural History.
The lighting effects and color
contrasts show how the Bassanos
influenced El Greco, who may have
seen their work in Venice.
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