Constantinos Parthenis Greek, 1878-1967

Estate of the artist
Nicholas Parthenis, the artist's son; thence by descent
Purchased from the above by the present owner

Saint Dionysius first studied in Athens at the court of Areopagus and later travelled to Egypt to pursue an interest in astronomy. In Egypt, it is said, he observed a supernatural eclipse, which coincided with the cruxifixion of Jesus Christ. He was later appointed first Bishop of Athens. An Athenian by birth he converted to Christianity after hearing the preachings of Paul on Mar's Hill. At Paul's request Saint Dionysius left Athens for Rome in the hope of being sent to France. After many labours Saint Dionysius was killed because of his faith in Paris.

Like Parthenis' painting Athena (see fig. 1), Saint Dionisius Areopagitis  was most likely comissioned by Metaxas in 1937 as decoration for Athens City Hall. The project was unfortunataly  abandoned by Parthenis but was eventually completed by Gounaropoulos (see lots 78 & 79).