Painting depicting Christ anointed by a woman in yellow, seated centrally at a crowded table of guests with long thin grayish faces in colorful robes with strong white highlights. In the background, tall grey archways, a steepled building, and city architecture.

The Feast in the House of Simon

c. 1608–14

El Greco (Doménikos Theotokópoulos; Greek, active in Spain, 1541–1614) Workshop of El Greco (Doménikos Theotokópoulos; Greek, active in Spain, 1541–1614)

Greece

Although this painting features the bold highlights, elongated figures, and vibrant colors characteristic of El Greco’s late career, the artist enlisted his workshop to execute some parts of the scene according to his original design. The heads of the figures reflect the work of different artists, probably including the artist’s son, Jorge Manuel, a leader of the workshop in its later years. The fantastical architectural background is unlike any other by El Greco and may have been conceived by an assistant.

Oil on canvas

Painting and Sculpture of Europe