El Greco was a renowned Greek painter who lived and worked in Spain for most of his career. He was born in Crete in 1541 and received training as an icon painter before moving to Italy and Spain. In Spain, he settled in Toledo where he found success and patrons for his distinctive style. El Greco's paintings were characterized by elongated figures, dark colors, and mystical religious themes. His works had a significant influence on later artists, particularly Picasso. Some of El Greco's most famous paintings include The Burial of the Count of Orgaz and The Opening of the Fifth Seal.