El Greco

El Greco, born Doménikos Theotokópoulos, was born on October 1, 1541, in Crete, then part of the Republic of Venice. He is known for his highly individualistic and dramatic style of painting that combines Byzantine traditions with Western art. His unique vision and expressionistic tendencies make him a precursor to both the modern and the abstract movements in art history.

In 1570, El Greco moved to Rome, where he was influenced by the Renaissance masters Michelangelo and Titian. During his time in Rome, he studied their techniques and began to develop his own style. His stay in Rome also marked a period where he started to gain some recognition, although he also faced criticism for his interpretation of Michelangelo’s works.

In 1577, El Greco moved to Toledo, Spain, which became his home for the rest of his life. This move was pivotal for his career as he received major commissions that established him among the leading painters of the Spanish Renaissance. His distinct style and the emotionally potent spiritual themes of his works resonated deeply with the Spanish audience.

El Greco completed one of his most famous works, 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz', in 1586. This monumental painting, located in the Church of Santo Tomé in Toledo, is a masterpiece of Mannerist art and illustrates El Greco's unique style—merging Byzantine tradition with Western techniques, especially his use of elongated figures and surreal, expressive colors.

El Greco completed 'The Disrobing of Christ' around 1597 for the Cathedral of Toledo. The painting is a striking example of his ability to convey profound emotion through bold color and exaggerated form. The work showcases his mastery of religious subject matter and Mannerist tension in composition, marked by an intricate play of gazes and gestures amongst the figures.

In 1600, El Greco completed an altarpiece for the Church of the Hospital of Charity in Illescas. This work is notable for its illumination effect and composition, showing his evolving style. This period marked heightened cohesiveness in his large-scale compositions, displaying his refined approach to balancing expressive content with architectural grandeur and innovative lighting.

Around 1608, El Greco entered the final period of his career, where he produced some of his largest and most ambitious paintings, including several altars for the Hospital of Tavera. During this period, his works are characterized by an even greater elongation of forms, expressive and intense color schemes, and increasingly complex compositions, demonstrating his mature style.

El Greco died on April 7, 1614, in Toledo, Spain. His death marked the end of a remarkably innovative career that had a lasting influence on art. Although his art went out of favor for some time after his death, he was later rediscovered by modern artists and scholars who recognized him as a visionary painter who bridged the realms of Byzantine mysticism and Western Renaissance.

In 1908, the art historian Manuel Bartolomé Cossío published one of the first comprehensive studies on El Greco, helping to revive interest in his works. Cossío's scholarship was crucial in establishing El Greco's historical legacy and demonstrating his importance as a precursor of modern art, influencing artists such as Cézanne, Picasso, and the German Expressionists.

In 2014, the 400th anniversary of El Greco's death was celebrated with exhibitions and events globally, notably the major exhibitions in Spain including 'El Griego de Toledo', which showcased an unprecedented collection of his works from around the world. These celebrations highlighted his profound impact on the art world and reinforced his status as a master of the Spanish Renaissance.