El Greco, Burial of Count Orgaz, 1586

El Greco’s Burial of Count Orgaz is a moving depiction of the assurance of life after death.  Through his use of light and motion, El Greco describes his belief that, following death, the righteous will rise into heaven and eventually commune with Christ. 

The most immediately notable element of the painting is stark contrast created by light.  Almost no light exists at the base of the painting, where lies the dead body of the count.  As I move my gaze upward, the light increases gradually.  Simultaneously, the light narrows into a single channel, focused at the center of the painting.  It is most intense at the feet of Christ, where the spirit of the count has arrived in communion with Mary.  This is suggestive of the power of Christ to enlighten a world dimmed by death.  It is also indicative of Mary’s apparent role to grant the souls of men access to Christ.

In addition to the contrast created by light, the upper and lower halves of the painting are made different by the use of motion.  Below, the burial scene is very still.  The attendants are stiff, moving only their heads to glance in varying directions.  Only the priests’ bodies are in motion.  Even they seem to move slowly, and with gentle care as they lower the body of Orgaz.  The heavens, however, are alive with movement.  Angels fly and seem to remove the veil, opening the channel to Jesus, and raising the soul of Orgaz to speak with Mary.  Though many of the saints appear seated (likely out of reverence to the Lord), their forms indicate greater vivaciousness than those of the standing mortals beneath them.  This motion reminds us of the quickening power of the resurrection. The souls of men will not only live beyond mortality; they will be regenerated, free from corruption and possess greater power and vitality than while on earth.