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El Greco's beloved city, the historic city of Toledo.

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This is a painting of the city of Toledo during the early 17th century by the painter El Greco.

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The Virgin Mary and angels descend from the sky.

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Beneath them lies the town, painted in great detail.

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This is Toledo today.

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It thrived as the capital of Spain until the mid-16th century.

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The river Tahoe surrounds the town on three sides.

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It worked as a natural fortification, protecting the art and knowledge developed in the city.

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A travelling painter named El Greco came here in 1576.

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He painted many outstanding works in this house.

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Toledo Cathedral was the religious centre of Spanish Catholicism.

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It had great power and wealth.

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Europe in Greco's time was being shaken by religious reformation.

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Churches wanted religious paintings to strengthen people's faith.

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Greco was commissioned by the church to paint a large painting.

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With his finished work came great controversy.

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This is the painting known as the Spoliations.

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It is original and audacious.

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Jesus' red robe is a symbolic representation of blood and fire, an emblem of passion.

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The painting portrays Jesus' crucifixion.

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The church condemned the painting as sacrilege because people were painted in a higher position than Jesus.

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The painter's work, however, gained acceptance among the people of Toledo.

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El Greco also painted works based on local legend.

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This painting is known as the Burial of Count Orgaz.

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The legend tells the tale of a powerful city figure known for his good deeds.

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When he passed away, two saints descended from heaven and buried him with care.

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In the background, El Greco painted real people.

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Among them stands the painter himself looking straight at us.

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El Greco, a genius, saw the light in Toledo.

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He died 38 years after he came to the city.