El Greco's Martyrdom of St. Maurice was commissioned by King Philip II. With this large four and a half by three meter composition, the Cretan-born artist who had studied in Italy and recently moved to Spain had hoped to become the Court's permanent painter, or at least join the group of artists working for the king. But Philip II instead refused the work, as he was annoyed by its fluorescent colors and the magical drama of the crowded scene.
