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Immaculate Conception

work by El Greco

Quick Summary

The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception, proclaimed in 1854, states that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception. This is a Roman Catholic dogma.12

El Greco, a Spanish painter of Greek descent, created a painting titled Immaculate Conception between 1607 and 1613. In this work, the Madonna floats heavenward in ecstasy, supported by angels. The painting features a distorted figure of the Madonna and a fantastical view of Toledo, with symbols of purity like roses and lilies. El Greco's style, known for its dramatic and expressionistic qualities, gained appreciation in the 20th century.3

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