El Greco is one of the most fascinating figures in the history of art. Born about 1541 on the island of Grete, this most Spanish of all painters studied in Venice before finding his true spiritual home in Toledo, the seat of the Spanish Inquisition. In all his work – portraits, landscapes, religious scenes – he painted the ecstasies and dark nights of the soul with an unparalleled eloquence and intensity. Yet, for all this spirituality, he is said to have lived in almost legendary luxury. His work was in great demand during his lifetime, but for nearly three centuries after his death it was ignored. Today El Greco stands at the very apex of world popularity.