ART and money

Whatever you make of it, the crucifixion of Christ is the most dramatic moment of history.  No other event has so captured the imagination of humanity and of artists. A famous picture of it is El Greco's "Christ on the Cross," "a haunting image of Jesus set against a dark background of swirling clouds.  El Greco painted Jesus' attenuated body hanging from the cross with his head and his eyes looking toward heaven" (New York Times, 7/14/00).

It went on sale at Southeby's. "Four bidders fought over it. The Getty Museum ended up buying it for $5.8 million. a record for the artist." . Certainly more then thirty pieces of silver. The report did not name the lucky seller. "They parted his garments, casting lots for them, what every man should take." The ghost of El Greco was amazed that his work had achieved such material heights.

Ronald Hilton - 7/15/00