Theofilos (Hadjimichail)

This monumental work depicts Markos Botsaris, the Greek klepht leader who played a crucial role in the Greek War of Independence. He was embraced by the Phil-hellenes of the early 19^th Century for his courage in the face of the Ottoman Empire: he was a partisan leader fighting in western Hellas during the outbreak of the Greek revolt in 1821, and was part of the defence of Missolonghi during the first siege. Botsaris is most celebrated for taking Mustai Pasha prisoner during the raid at Karpenisi, where he would become immortalised after dying from a head wound sustained while leaving the encampment. 

Theofilos is acknowledged as one of Greece's foremost folk painters, and his naïve style would be used on the mediums of wall paintings, painting on objects or cloth. The freshness and decorative simplicity of the Byzantine detail and perspective in his oeuvre would set a strong precedent for dialogue regarding the Greek identity in its art, exhibiting the artist's familiarity with historio-aesthetic models that would be renewed intermittently within the scope of the Greek visual vocabulary.

Please note that due to Greek regulations, this painting currently cannot be exported from Greece and will be available for inspection by prospective buyers in Athens by appointment with Sotheby's.  The painting will be located in Greece during the auction.    

Please also note that the sale of the painting will be conditional upon the Greek State failing to pre-empt the sale of this lot at the time of the auction. The successful buyer will be able to collect the work in Athens. Should you have any queries regarding the sale of this work please contact a member of the department.