Domenikos theotokopoulos el greco biography greek

Biography of El Greco -Domenikos Theotokopoulos

Δομήνικος Θεοτοκόπουλος who became famously known as 'El Greco' was born on the island of Crete in 1541.

Domenikos theotokopoulos el greco biography greek mythology

He was a Renaissance painter, sculptor and architect. His style was unique and controversial.

The exact place of his birth is disputed to this day, however the village of Fodele in the north-west of Heraklion, claims him as its son.

The Byzantine empire fell in 1453, and many artists retreated to Heraklion, then under Venetian rule, with a flourishing culture including the arts.

Domenikos theotokopoulos el greco biography greek

Theotokopoulos learnt from these artists and a natural next step was to study further in Venice.

He left Crete in 1567 to study in Venice under Titian. He spent 10 years in Italy until he went to Spain.