El Greco, born Doménicos Theotokópoulos, was a Greek painter, sculptor, and architect influential in the Spanish Renaissance from 1541 to 1614. He is known for his elongated figures, vivid colors, and unique merging of Byzantine and Western art traditions, and his work gained appreciation in the 20th century. Some of his notable paintings include 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz' and 'View of Toledo,' with his style being a precursor to both Expressionism and Cubism.