Remembering Greece’s master seascape painter, Konstantinos Volanakis

·

Konstantinos Volanakis was a Greek painter who became known as the “father of Greek seascape painting.” Volanakis was born in 1837, in Crete.

We share our four top facts about the painter.

1. Early Life:

Konstantinos Volanakis was born at Heraklion on Crete, to parents who came from a small village near Rethymno. Later, they moved again for business reasons, and he completed his basic education on Syros in 1856.

Afterward, urged on by his brothers, he went to Trieste and became a book-keeping clerk for a family of Greek merchants who were related to his family by marriage. While there, he made sketches of ships and harbours in his account books.

Rather than dismiss him, the family recognised his artistic talent and made arrangements for him to study at the Academy of Fine Arts, Munich, under Karl von Piloty.

2. The ‘Naval Battle of Salamis’:

Among Volanakis’ most outstanding pieces is the “Naval Battle of Salamis.”

Among Volanakis’ most outstanding pieces is the “Naval Battle of Salamis” which depicts the famous ancient naval battle between an alliance of Greek city states and the Persian Empire. It belongs to the Hellenic Navy and traditionally hangs in the office of the prime minister (Volanakis first presented the work at the Royal Palace in 1883).

3. No portraiture:

Volanakis never engaged in portraiture or depicting other aspects of life in the nascent Greek state, dedicating himself entirely to maritime painting. His love for the sea and ships led him to depict all facets of maritime life: from tranquil seas and idyllic harbors and beaches, to intense naval battles and raging tempests.

4. An imposing and tragic figure:

As an individual, Volanakis was himself both an imposing and tragic figure. His decision to return to Greece in 1883, despite his close friend Nikolaos Gyzis’ advice against doing so, ultimately had a negative impact on his quality of life, and often his painting. His wife’s health problems, his financial woes, and his limited social life ultimately led him to attempt to take his own life.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Mytilenians strike gold at first-ever Hellenic Bowling Cup in Sydney

The inaugural Hellenic Bowling Cup rolled into action over the weekend, bringing together Samians, Kytherians, and Mytilenians in Sydney.

The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney to be presented by Benchmark Greek Law

The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney has announced its presenting partner for 2025, Benchmark Greek Law.

Greek Australians heading to Europe face travel disruption as Middle East conflict escalates

Airlines with flights between Australia, the Middle East and Europe are rerouting services and cancelling flights due to Middle East conflict

Tomaras brothers plead guilty over twin attacks in Sydney’s Glebe

Wolli Creek brothers Yianni Tomaras, 33, and Meneleos Tomaras, 30, have pleaded guilty to affray after attacking a former friend twice.

Cumberland Councillor Steve Christou slams rate hike amid cost-of-living crisis

Former Cumberland mayor and current councillor Steve Christou was the lone voice opposing a 7.1% council rate rise at this week’s meeting.

You May Also Like

Macquarie University leads the way in Greek Language Certificate awards ceremony

Over 200 people attended the award ceremony of the Certificates of Attainment in Greek Language 2024 that took place at Macquarie University.

GCM presents new seminar: The Forgotten City of Thebes

Emeritus Professor Paul Cartledge will present an online lecture entitled 'The Forgotten City of Thebes'.

George Xanthis on bringing Apostle John to life in ‘The Chosen’

'The Chosen,' the international hit series depicting the life of Jesus Christ, premiered in Sydney last month to an enthusiastic crowd.