Mount Sinai

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: nn Today, we are looking at El Greco’s “Mount Sinai,” a fascinating work painted in 1568. This painting, housed in the Galleria Estense, depicts the pivotal moment when Moses, perched atop the towering Mount Sinai, receives the Ten Commandments. nn El Greco masterfully uses light and composition to emphasize the divine nature of this event. Notice how a burst of golden light emanates from the peak, bathing the scene in an ethereal glow. This light, a symbol of divine presence, contrasts sharply with the dark, earthy tones of the mountain, highlighting the separation between the heavenly and earthly realms. nn The painting’s composition, with its towering mountain and dramatic use of light and shadow, is typical of El Greco’s style. He was known for his elongated figures and expressive use of color, which he used to convey intense emotion and spirituality. nn “Mount Sinai” is not just a religious scene; it’s a powerful exploration of faith, revelation, and the awe-inspiring power of the divine. The small figures scattered throughout the landscape – some climbing the mountain, others gathered below – emphasize the human desire to connect with something greater than themselves.