El Greco was a well-read but slightly arrogant man. He moved to Spain from Rome in his late 30s. An anecdote says he had to flee Rome after angering the painters of the city by criticising Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment”. It is more likely he heard of the Spanish king’s desire to attract the finest artists to decorate the Escorial. He lived a luxurious life which he had trouble financing and is said to have insisted on music while he ate dinner.
