So today, I’ll take you with me to get inspired by one of history’s greatest artists.

Born almost 500 years ago on the Greek island, Crete. Here are 10 facts you might not have known about El Greco:

1. Born in 1541, under the name Doménikos Theotokópoulos, he received the nick-name El Greco (Meaning “The Greek” in Spanish) only later in life.

His paintings were signed in his birth name in Greek letters.

2. While El Greco and his family were Orthodox Greeks, he was known for his paintings of roman catholic characters and scenes. In his will he described himself as a devout catholic.

3. He gained his initial training at the Cretan School and was considered a master by the local painter’s guild by the age of only 22.

4. El Greco’s work is known for his long human figures, unusual body compositions, tormented facial expressions and emotional gestures. He would use unorthodox materials for paint and bright colors and was considered odd and rebellious, since he did not imitate the conventional religious painting style of his era.

5. El Greco was known for his outspoken and blunt opinions.

He openly mocked Michelangelo’s painting abilities to the point of approaching Pope Pius V, and offering to repaint over Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment” in the Sistine Chapel, and to update it to the more modern techniques of the time. As a result, El Greco suffered great criticism from the roman art world, and it is believed this is why he left Rome.

6. In 1577 El Greco moved to Spain and settled in Toledo. It is there that he started to get some recognition and had work flow in, though feeling like he is not being paid enough for his work, he got into several legal disputes over his earnings.

7. El Greco’s unusual family life wes not well accepted in Spain, as he never married his life-partner and mother of his only son.

8. El Greco’s most well-known painting is “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz”. The painting portrays the burial ceremony of the count as his soul rise to heaven. The bottom half of the painting shows the grieving burial party, in which he embodied his favorite poets, scholars, religion-men and himself as well.

9. At the time, El Greco was considered too original to belong to any existing art movement. In fact, he was ahead of his time and originated future art movements such as cubism and expressionism. We can still find his influence in the work of artists like Picasso and Cézanne.

10. El Greco died in Toledo in 1614. He was not recognized as a Master by the art world in his time. It was only in the late 19th century that his impact on the art world was recognized and today he is known as one of the most influential artists in history.

If you get to visit Crete, I recommend visiting the village El Greco was born in. About a 30 mins drive from Heraklion you will discover an authentic stone-house museum in the home that shaped this great artist. The path to the house will make you feel like you are inside a painting’s view.