El Greco, whose real name was Domenikos Theotokopoulos, was a Greek painter who is known for his distinctive style and influence on the Spanish Renaissance. He was born in Crete in 1541 and later moved to Venice to study art before settling in Toledo, Spain, where he produced many of his most famous works. El Greco's paintings are characterized by their elongated figures, vibrant colors, and dramatic use of light and shadow. His religious and portrait paintings are highly regarded for their emotional intensity and spiritual depth. El Greco's unique artistic vision and innovative techniques have earned him a lasting legacy as one of the most important figures in the history of Western art.