Theophilos Chatzimicheal

Theophilos Chatzimicheal

Theophilos Chatzimicheal (1873-1934) is one of the greatest known historical painters in Greece and he is from the island of Lesvos. He was born in the area of Vareia near to the capital of Mitilini in 1873 died in 1934. Sometimes he was called as the Greek Vincent Van Gough as he was a unique folk artist-painter. There are some of his works visible in old buildings around the island. Theophilos always wore Greek national dress and died after a life of deprivation and poverty. His works are primitive in their conception of anatomy and perspective, but owe much of their charm to special substances used in the preparation of the paints which give them stability and a glossy texture. Theophilos was most drawn to themes taken from nature and history. Teriad who was an art critic met him in 1928 and was impressed by his primitive grasp of artistic essentials and the harmony displayed by his works. He asked Theophilos to paint on canvas, as he painted on wood or done murals, in an attempt to save for posterity some of the freshness and truth of the artist???s work. According to Teriad, Theophilos never asked for money. His last 120 works are regarded as his most representative and some of his works were on display even in the Louvre. Some of the most famous works in the museum are those showing the Limnian Shepherd, the Bay of Gera and the Fisherman???s Dance. Sadly, Theophilos did not live to enjoy his fame and the respect that he has now earned from his countrymen, artists and art critics throughout the world.