Reference number
P00828
Author
El Greco (and workshop)
Title
Pentecost
Chronology
Ca. 1600
Technique
Oil
Support
Canvas
Measures
275 cm x 127 cm
School
Spanish
Theme
Religion
On display
Yes
Procedence
College of La Encarnación, also known as the College of Doña María de Aragón, Madrid, 1813; church of San Felipe el Real and House of the Inquisition, 1835; Royal Academy of San Fernando; Trinidad Museum

This work depicts the moment when the Holy Ghost, in the form of flames, rests on the Virgin and the Apostles on Pentecost day in Jerusalem, as is told in the book of Acts (2: 1-5).

The bald, bearded Apostle who looks out at the viewer from the right of the canvas has been identified as a self-portrait, or as a portrait of the artist's friend, Antonio de Covarrubias.

Along with other paintings in the Prado Museum (P00821, P00823, P00825, P03888), this work was painted as part of the main altarpiece for the church of the Augustine College of María de Aragón in Madrid. A sketch or autograph reduction can be found in the Zogheb collection in Paris. The signature is on the second step, in Greek letters. It was redone during an old restoration.

 
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