Dominikos Theotokopoulos

Place: Candia

Born: 1541

Death: 1614

Biography:

Early Life and Training

, widely known as El Greco, was a Greek painter, sculptor, and architect of the Spanish Renaissance. Born on October 1, 1541, in either Fodele or Candia (modern Crete), which was then part of the Republic of Venice, Italy, and the center of Post-Byzantine art.

Artistic Journey

• El Greco received his initial training as an icon painter of the Cretan school, a leading center of post-Byzantine art.
• In 1570, he moved to Rome, where he opened a workshop and executed a series of works, enriching his style with elements of Mannerism and the Venetian Renaissance.
• In 1577, he settled in Toledo, Spain, where he lived and worked until his death, receiving several major commissions and producing his best-known paintings, such as View of Toledo and Opening of the Fifth Seal.

Notable Works and Style

• The Disrobing of Christ (1577-1579), a masterpiece showcasing his unique blend of Byzantine and Western painting traditions.
• Assumption of the Virgin (1577-1579), a work that exemplifies his dramatic and expressionistic style.
• The Burial of the Count of Orgaz (1586-1588), a painting that demonstrates his ability to capture the essence of Spanish nobility.

Legacy and Influence

• El Greco's work has been characterized as a precursor to Expressionism and Cubism, influencing artists such as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock.
• His unique style, marked by tortuously elongated figures and vibrant pigmentation, continues to fascinate art enthusiasts worldwide.

Museums and Collections

• Museo de El Greco (Toledo, Spain), a must-visit destination for art lovers, featuring an impressive collection of El Greco's works.
• National Gallery of Canada, which houses several of El Greco's notable paintings, including St Francis and Brother Leo Meditating on Death.

Explore More

• Visit The Museum Capilla de San José (Toledo, Spain), a comprehensive guide to El Greco's works and the museum.
• Discover more about El Greco's life and art on El Greco (Doménikos Theotokopoulos), a detailed biography and collection of his works.