Lot 6: NIKOLAOS LYTRAS, GREEK 1883-1927

signed

oil on canvas

27 by 41cm., 10 1/2 by 16in.

Galerie Eliades, Athens
Purchased from the above by the present owner circa 1965

Never previously offered at auction, The artist in his studio, is a major re-discovery in Lytras' oeuvre. Considered one of the pioneers of Greek twentieth century art, Lytras along with Maleas (see lots 12, 13 & 14 ) and Parthenis (see lot 124) broke away from the strict rules of academic painting. Through his use of light, colour and brushwork he developed an aesthetic bridge between romanticism and modernism in Greek painting.

Another self-portrait of the artist but with his wife was sold at Sotheby's in London, 12 October 2000, lot 71.