Why did El Greco’s artistic style gain greater appreciation in the 20th century?

El Greco’s artistic style, which was often met with puzzlement by his contemporaries, gained newfound appreciation in the 20th century primarily due to its highly individual, dramatic, and expressionistic nature.1

While his work was deeply rooted in the religious spirit of the Counter-Reformation and Spanish mysticism, his disregard for natural laws, use of brilliant and dissonant colors, and extreme distortion of the human figure set him apart from conventional schools of his time. Because his style was so uniquely personal, he left no school of followers, and his influence faded following his death in 1614 as the Baroque style became dominant.2

By the 20th century, however, these very qualities—his imaginative power, emotional intensity, and departure from traditional representation—resonated with modern sensibilities. His work was eventually recognized as that of a "lonely genius," and his daring use of color and form, which had once been misunderstood, became a source of significant inspiration for later artists.123