The artwork, titled “Gazing Ball (El Greco View of Toledo)” by the artist Jeff Koons, was created in 2015 and belongs to the Neo-Pop Art movement, specifically within the cityscape genre.
In this piece, Koons thoughtfully integrates a reflective blue gazing ball into El Greco’s renowned painting, “View of Toledo.” The original work is a dramatic portrayal of the Spanish city of Toledo, characterized by stormy skies and a striking landscape that exudes an almost mystical and foreboding atmosphere. The addition of Koons’ signature blue gazing ball creates a contemporary contrast, merging historical and modern elements. The reflective surface of the ball captures the surroundings, including the viewer, thereby creating an interactive experience that juxtaposes the classical with the contemporary, inviting reflection and engagement from the audience.
