Constantinos Parthenis Greek, 1878-1967

The present work exemplifies Parthenis's symbolic iconography celebrating Greek tradition. The central concern of the Generation of the Thirties and the Omni Techni group, of which Parthenis was a leading member, was the idea of conveying 'Greekness' in art. 

In Greek mythology, Phaethon was the son of Helios, the God of the Sun. It was not until the young boy reached a certain age that he learned about his father's identity. Anxious to meet him, he travelled to his father's palace in the East. During their meeting Phaethon asked Helios to allow him to drive his chariot across the sky. Flattered by the request Helios agreed but as soon as the young boy leapt into the chariot and took hold of the reins it was clear that he was unable to control the powerful horses. The horses dragged the young boy across the sky, swooping down to earth burning cities and forests. Once Zeus became aware of this dangerous situation he threw a thunderbolt directly at Phaethon killing him instantly. Phaethon's body landed in the Eridanus river where it was mourned by his grieving sisters. Eventually, his sisters became weeping willows and their tears turned to amber.   

Several small studies in oil and pencil for the present work are in the collection of the National Gallery and Alexandros Soutzos Museum, Athens.