El Greco, born Domenikos Theotokopoulos in 1541 on the island of Crete, emerged as one of the most distinctive artists of the Spanish Renaissance. Initially trained in the Byzantine tradition of icon painting, his early work reflects the influences of his Greek heritage. Seeking broader horizons, El Greco traveled to Venice in the 1560s, where he studied under Titian and absorbed the dynamic use of color and dramatic compositions characteristic of the Venetian school. He later moved to Rome, where his exposure to Mannerism and Renaissance ideals further refined his style, blending elongated forms, bold contrasts, and expressive lighting. By 1577, El Greco settled in Toledo, Spain, where he created some of his most iconic works, including “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz” and “View of Toledo.” His art, marked by spiritual intensity and visionary themes, often featured elongated, almost otherworldly figures and a unique interplay of color and light that set him apart from his contemporaries. El Greco’s approach was frequently misunderstood during his lifetime, as his dramatic distortions and emotionally charged compositions diverged from the prevailing norms of realism. However, his work profoundly influenced later movements, particularly Expressionism and Cubism, earning him recognition as a precursor to modern art. El Greco’s fusion of Byzantine, Italian, and Spanish elements created a legacy that transcended his era, leaving an indelible mark on the history of art. He died in Toledo in 1614, leaving behind a body of work celebrated for its originality and depth.