THEOFILOS HADJIMICHAEL (1871-1934) Lot n° 6

Aretousa sacre Erotokritos avec la couronne de la victoire titré en grec (en bas à droite) pigments naturels sur toile 87 x 58cm (34 1/4 x 22 13/16in). inscribed with title in Greek (lower right) natural pigments on canvas £42000-59000 Provenance Philippos Koutsinas collection, Athens. Exposé Athens, Ethousa Technis Athinon, Theofilos, May 12-31, 1975, no. 22 (listed in the exhibition catalogue). Littérature M.G. Moschou, Theofilos Hadjimichail Self-Biographed, doctoral dissertation, University of Athens, Athens2005, Annex Illustrations, vol. VI, p. 85 (mentioned). A. Hadjiyannaki, Theofilos, K. Adam editions, Athens2007, p. 86 (illustrated). E. Diamantopoulou, Theofilos in Mt. Pelion, Alexandria editions, Athens2007, p. 233, no. 17 (listed). E. Plessa, ed., The Work and Wonderful Days of Philippos Koutsinas, Athens 2013, p. 160 (illustrated). A masterpiece of Cretan poetry written by Vintsentzos Kornaros around 1640, Erotokritos has struck deep roots in the Greek soul. Setting great store by true love, courage and patriotism, the poem enjoyed immense popularity and its hero became a symbol of suffering Hellenism, exalted side by side with Digenis Akritas and Alexander the Great. Not surprisingly, Theofilos's legendary wooden chest contained a popular edition of this celebrated heroic romance. Here, the artist illustrates a scene inspired by the verses 2420-2430 of Canto B. As summarily described in the lower right hand corner inscription, Erotocritos is being crowned with a golden wreath by the king's daughter Aretousa after defeating Prince Kypridimos in a jousting contest: The trumpets blared to hail the triumph won This day by Victory's acknowledged son. Erotokritos before the king knelt down; Upon his head was placed the golden crown, As Aretousa with her own fair hand Thus decked her loved one on the royal stand; For from the eve the Monarch had decreed That his own daughter would award the meed.1 By successfully blending western medieval influences with indigenous pictorial traditions (note the radiant reds and blues echoing the magnificent Byzantine harmonies), Theofilos unifies his influences into a living Greek myth. 1 V. Kornaros, Erotocritos, Papazissis Publishers, Athens 1984, pp. 19-22. See also Y. Zoras, Theofilos and Erotokritos, Ombrela editions, Athens 1989, p.9.