El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos)

Born in Crete in 1541, El Greco initially trained as an icon painter in the Post-Byzantine tradition, which formed the foundation of his unique style.¹

Moving to Venice at 26, he became a disciple of Titian to refine his color sense and was influenced by Tintoretto's elongated figures.¹

He criticized Michelangelo's 'Last Judgment,' offering to repaint it better. This bold attitude caused friction in Rome and likely prompted his move to Spain.¹

In Rome, he often stayed in a darkened room, claiming 'the sunlight disturbs my inner light.' This pursuit of inner light shaped his phantasmagorical colors.¹

In 1577, he moved to Toledo, Spain, where he established a unique style merging religious passion with Mannerism, creating masterpieces like 'View of Toledo.'¹

He was a highly intellectual artist, leaving a library of 130 volumes including Greek classics and the Bible, reflecting his philosophical depth.¹

Long forgotten after his death, his style was rediscovered in the 20th century as a precursor to Expressionism and Cubism, influencing artists like Picasso.¹