Domínikos Theotokópoulos, known as "El Greco" (the Greek), is a Greek painter, sculptor and architect of the Spanish School of the 16th century. His pictorial work, a synthesis of Renaissance Mannerism and Byzantine art, is characterized by elongated forms and vivid colors. Although he was celebrated in his lifetime, he was forgotten for over a century. Rediscovered in the mid-19th century, particularly by French Romantics, his extravagant painting has provoked countless comments, often in contradiction with proven historical facts. His uniqueness influenced many artists in the 20th century, including Picasso and Jackson Pollock, who were directly inspired by him.