The Spanish Golden Century, a period spanning from the late 15th to the early 17th century, marked a high point in Spanish painting, characterized by remarkable innovation and depth. This era brought forth some of the most influential figures in the history of art.

El Greco, a painter of Greek origin who made Spain his home, stood out with his unique style, characterized by elongated figures and a dramatic, emotive use of color and light. His works, often steeped in spiritual intensity, bridged Byzantine traditions with Western painting techniques. Another towering figure of this era was Diego Velázquez, whose masterful treatment of light and shadow and profound psychological insight in portraiture set new standards in art. Velázquez's works, especially "Las Meninas," are celebrated for their complex composition and depth, showcasing a sophisticated understanding of the human psyche and the subtleties of court life.

This period in Spanish art was not just about the exploration of religious themes, which were dominant due to the Counter-Reformation, but also about the advancement in depicting everyday life and the natural world with a previously unseen realism. The focus on realistic portrayal, attention to detail, and the use of light and shadow significantly influenced the development of Western art.