El Greco was born in Crete, but later painted in Italy and then Madrid and Toledo. His highly dramatic and expressionistic art was not appreciated in his own time, but much regarded in later centuries. His altarpieces and religious themes are full of drama.

Diego Velázquez painted the brilliant Las Meninas (1656), Spain’s most beloved painting – it never ceases to captivate and enthral. Numerous other great works by him will be shown.

Francisco Goya lived in a time of turmoil and warfare. He captured contemporary events – such as the Napoleonic invasion – exemplified by the exceptional lighting of The Third of May 1808.