Why was El Greco considered a Renaissance humanist?
El Greco was considered a Renaissance humanist primarily due to his profound intellectual breadth and his deep integration into the scholarly and cultural circles of his time.
Inventories compiled after his death reveal that he possessed an extensive library, which serves as clear evidence of his wide-ranging interests and scholarly pursuits. His collection included:
- Classical Literature: Major Greek authors in their original language and works by Plutarch.
- Renaissance Classics: Poetry by Petrarch and Ludovico Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso.
- Architectural Treatises: Essential texts by Vitruvius, Leon Battista Alberti, Andrea Palladio, and Sebastiano Serlio. He even prepared his own edition of Vitruvius, demonstrating his active engagement with classical theory.
Beyond his library, El Greco maintained close friendships with leading humanists, scholars, and churchmen in Toledo, such as the classical scholar Antonio de Covarrubias and the poet Fray Hortensio Paravicino. His life and work reflected the Renaissance ideal of the cultured individual who bridged diverse intellectual traditions, combining his Greek heritage, Italian artistic training, and immersion in the religious environment of Spain.1