El Greco
El Greco (1541–1614), born Domenikos Theotokopoulos, was a Greek painter, sculptor, and architect of the Spanish Renaissance, renowned for his distinctive style that combined elements of Byzantine traditions with Western European art. Born in Crete, which was then part of the Republic of Venice, El Greco trained as an icon painter in the post-Byzantine style. He moved to Venice in his twenties, where he was influenced by the works of Titian and Tintoretto, and later to Rome, where he absorbed the Mannerist style, characterized by elongated figures, dramatic use of color, and expressive forms. In 1577, El Greco settled in Toledo, Spain, where he developed his mature style and gained recognition for his innovative approach to religious and portrait painting.
El Greco’s art is marked by elongated figures, vivid, often unnatural color palettes, and intense, spiritual expressions, reflecting his deep emotional engagement with his subjects. His compositions frequently feature complex spatial arrangements and dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, conveying a sense of movement and divine energy. Notable works such as "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz" and "View of Toledo" demonstrate his unique blending of Byzantine iconography, Venetian colorism, and Spanish mysticism. El Greco's style was considered radical in his time but profoundly influenced the development of both Baroque and modern art. Though he was not fully appreciated during his lifetime, his works are now celebrated for their originality and emotional depth and are held in major museums, including the Prado Museum in Madrid, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the National Gallery in London.
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Full Name: Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco)
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Birth and Death: 1541–1614
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Profession: Painter, Sculptor, Architect
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Influences: Byzantine iconography, Venetian Renaissance (Titian, Tintoretto), Mannerism
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Legacy: Renowned for his distinctive style combining Byzantine and Western influences; his works are held in major collections such as the Prado Museum, Madrid, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
