Konstantinos Maleas Greek, 1879-1928

The so-called ‘Generation of the Thirties’- comprising such modernists as Maleas, Nicholas Lytras (see lot 19), Papaloukas (see lot 26) and Parthenis (see lots 1,2, 4 and 23) – represented a reaction against conservative currents in painting and the institutions that fostered them. Most were members of the Omas Techni, a group that mounted the first secessionist exhibition in Greece in 1917.

Influenced by the Post- Impressionist movements of the early 20th century, Maleas' work is dominated by vibrant colours and thick brushstrokes. His technique of applying paint in layers was influenced by his teacher Henri Martin under whom he studied in Paris from 1901 to 1908. 

Maleas' pivotal importance in Greek painting is ascribed to the assimilation of Pont Aven symbolism; the arabesque line and flattened space of art nouveau, and the rich colouring of the Fauves.Throughout his life, Maleas travelled extensively and frequently in the East, visiting Constantinople, Egypt, Syria, Palestine and Lebanon. Portrait of an Egyptian was most probably painted in situ and is one of the few Oriental portraits known to have been painted by the artist in a private collection. Other examples dated 1923 can be found in the collection of the National Gallery and Alexandros Soutzos Museum, Athens (see fig 1.) and the Municipal Art Gallery, Rhodes.


Fig. 1: Konstantinos Maleas, Egyptian, 1923 @ National Gallery & Alexandros Soutzos Museum, Athens
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