What qualifies a functional object like this as a work of art?
Answer:
In El Greco's work there are visible attributes of the humanistic values of Ancient Rome and Greece.
Explanation:
El Greco was a Greek artist who lived in Italy and Spain, and became one of the most important figures of the Spanish Renaissance, by many considered to be the founder of the Siglo de Oro.
His work portraits and blend the physical world with the spiritual world, it reflects his viewing of the humanistic side of the renaissance.
Wouldn't it be rhythm, the use of recurring elements to direct the movement of the viewer's eye's through the product of art and give a sense of unity to the composition. correct me if im wrong