Constantinos Parthenis

Painted in soft washes of pastel colours, the present work dates from the 1930s, forming part of a series of nature mortes that Parthenis executed whilst in Greece. With its superb colouring and forcefulness of design, the present work is a prime example of Parthenis' powers as a draughtsman. The importance that Parthenis attached to drawing is evident in the prominence of line, his confidently-inscribed angles and curves creating strong forms complemented by bold colour. Painted with soft-edged areas of whites, purples, oranges and reds, Parthenis breaks down traditional perspective and three-dimensionality to create a modern rendition of a classic subject.

Parthenis painted the present work while teaching at the Athens School of Fine Arts (1929-1947). Despite his professorship, Parthenis was instrumental in distancing Greek art from the academic tradition. By this time he had developed a very distinct formal vocabulary that incorporated Greek indigenous cultural experiences and aesthetics. Parthenis' work was tremendously significant in the development of twentieth-century Greek art. The lingering influences of German academicism were finally banished from Athens' artistic circles, and a new path was laid, paving the way for experimentation in form and colour.