The archaeologist and Byzantinist Georgios Mastoropoulos, researching the icons and relics of the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Ermoupoli, reveals the icon of the 'Dormition of the Theotokos', signed 'DOMINIKOS THEOTOKOPOULOS O DEIXAS'.

Doménikos Theotokopoulos was most likely born in 1541 in Chandakas, modern-day Heraklion in Crete, during the time of Venetian rule. Theotokopoulos was trained as an icon painter, a fact that is certified by a public document from 1563. He must have studied ancient Greek and classical literature from a young age, judging from the rich library that his son inherited after his death.

Given that Crete was part of the territory of the Republic of Venice, it was natural for him to move to Venice for further studies. The exact date of his arrival is unknown, however, it is estimated that he left Crete in 1567.

In 1570, he was in Rome, where, like other distinguished painters, he faced the fierce competition that prevailed at that time, at the same time when the presence of Titian dominated and the work of Michelangelo continued to exert influence, six years after his death. The relationship of El Greco with Michelangelo's work remains controversial, but the influence it had on him is considered a given.

In 1577, El Greco's presence is recorded in Spain. Initially, he settled in Madrid and later moved to Toledo, a city that was then the religious and political center of Spain. There, he created some of his most renowned works during his mature period and achieved recognition. In Toledo, he had a son, Jorge Manuel (Georgios Emmanuel), with Jerónima de las Cuevas.