This enigmatic picture has been interpreted in many ways. It is sometimes understood as a visual depiction of sexual passion.

The central figure lights and blows on a hot piece of coal, associated with sexual desire. The chained monkey and laughing fool on either side symbolise Man’s folly and his enslavement to this vice. 

El Greco is a Greek artist of the Spanish Renaissance. He is famous for his Mannerist style that often incorporated dark, theatrical settings and dramatic lighting.