European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - September 24, 1977, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Al Greco painting of Peter weeping is on display at artist s House. The immigrant Painter of Toledo Many of the artist s famous canvasses hang in the cow Del Greco. Page 14 the stars and stripes ate 16th Century Spain was a hotbed of religious mysticism and the Center of the roman Catholic counter reformation. But it clearly suited the style of Domenikos Theo Tomopoulos a Young emigre from Crete via Italy who  Toledo 400 years ago. His italian Manser vant made the introductions and the greek has been known through the succeed ing centuries by his italian nickname Al Greco instead of the Spanish Al  the intense religious atmosphere apparently favored the Talent of Al Greco trained on Crete in the tradition of byzantine icons and later in Venice by Titian under the influences of Tintoretto and Michelangelo. Al Greco s dark Stormy landscapes share with most of his work thrusting curves climbing to heaven and his prefer ence for color Over line especially in shimmering shades that suggest otherworld possibilities. The cavernous eyes of his portraits turn thought inward expressing As Well As any Painter the troubled mys Tery of Christian Faith. Churches and convents in his adopted Toledo sought the greek s services and he is said to have earned Well and spent freely passing the last 10 years of his life in 24 rooms of the Villena Palace. Today Many of his works Are displayed in the adopted City he held fast in time on his canvasses. Of those works the greatest number hang in the Casa Del Greco along with works of the Best of his contemporaries. The museum boasts one of Only two views of Toledo that Al Greco painted. It also has what the management contends is the Best of the four blatantly colourful series of the apostles. The museum is said to stand within a few Yards of the site of the Palace and the management claims the museum and House Are As authentic As any of the world s restored Homes of great artists. In fact the style of the time probably was retained by Toledo craftsmen who still use traditional techniques of carpentry ironwork and Decora Tive plasterwork. For safety Light and ventilation Al Greco s works have been moved to the second floor a guide noted Al Greco worked by Daylight and said the paintings should be viewed in that Light but the move also has the effect of saving the Best for last. Clint swifts a photos by pet Emili a the burial of the count of Orgaz in museum dedicated to Al Greco s work in Toledo Spain. Intense religious atmosphere favored greek emigre Painter. Rooms of restored Al Greco Home reflect the old techniques of carpentry ironwork and decorative plaster. Saturday september 24,1977 the stars and stripes Page 15