Toledo

This past weekend my KIIS group went on an excursion to Toledo, Spain. Before going to Toledo I learned much about its history as well as the history of various artists that created within it. One of the most prominent artists that resided in this area was El Greco. I wanted to post this picture which is a view of Toledo and below the picture El Greco created entitled "View of Toledo".

In art class we learned that although El Greco is claimed as a Spanish painter he was born else where. Greco was born in Greece and later moved to Venice, Italy then Rome where he learned under Michelangelo. Eventually El Greco moved to Italy after King Phillip (Felipe) II wanted him to paint El Escorial. El Greco eventually settled in Toledo. While in Italy Greco learned of proportion under Michelangelo as well as painting strong, elegant figures. This period was more or less followed by his Imaginative Period characterized by disproportionate figures, tension, and nervousness which is evident in the above painting. Most of El Greco's paintings share particular characteristics and one of his most famous paintings, which we saw in Toledo in the Church of Saint Thomas (El Greco's church), clearly demonstrates these characteristics. The painting, below, is entitled "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz".

This painting clearly shows a defining characteristic of El Greco which is the representation of two worlds. As evident it shows a heaven above and a terrestrial world below. In order to understand this painting it is important to understand the local legend behind it. The Count of Orgaz, only named such posthumously, was a good, charitable man that lived around the 14th century. According to legend, upon his death Saint Augustine and Saint Stephen descended from heaven and buried him with their own hands. In the picture the individuals surrounding the body of the Count are also from different time periods which is another characteristic of an El Greco painting.

Another interesting aspect of Toledo is the fact that it has previously served as the capital of Spain. The Romans previously occupied and ruled Spain until the Visigoths. Prior to their arrival the Romans had suffered due to Christianity. As I understand it, slavery no long was an acceptable practice. Consequently, the city began to Delcine as their was no longer free labor keeping the town together. The citizens of the city then began to be taxed and as such moved away from the city causing ruralization, thus isolation, making it easy to conquer the Roman Empire. The Visigoths came at a point when the Roman rule was already weak. The Romans brought with them language (Latin), religion, law, and social organization via hierarchies. After the Visigoths defeated the Romans they no longer accepted their sense of hierarchy. The political structure and social structure Rome put in place disappeared. The Visigoths were pre feudal and basically had bishops as rulers as well aristocrats that own all the land which was cared for by slaves. The language remained and they named the capital Toledo.

The last few photos I have in my blog may seem a bit out of place but it actually has great significance to me. This is the same weekend of the Toledo excursion and it is also the same day that I got my first start as a forward ( I have been playing outside mid). Well in my first game at forward I scored my first official international goal. I am not sure if it is just with my team or with all teams but it is customary for every player to hug you. At least I hope that was customary ha ha! Below is another photo that was taken immediately after I scored. You can see the ball going into the net. It is also common here as well as around the world to run into the goal and grab the ball after you score!!! It was a big weekend for me. :)