Lot 93: Theofrastos Triantafyllidis (Greek 1881-1955)

Under the fig-tree
signed in greek (centre left)
oil on cardboard
35 x 41 cm. (13 3/4 x 16 in.)

Antonis Kotidis, Theofrastos Triantafyllidis, University press, Thessaloniki, 2002, no 71,
p. 157 (illustrated).

Painted c. 1925-30.

A founding member of the "Omada Technis" ("Art Group") in 1917, Triantafyllides was one of the first Greek artists to focus on series of paintings based on a single theme. The present work, which dates from 1925-30, recalls the religious subject matter that absorbed such expressionist artists as Rouault, Ensor, Nolde, Heckel and Schmidt-Rottluff during the early part of the 20th century, without conveying their political or social commentary.

Triantafyllides examines the life of Christ from many angles, either charging specific events, such as the Crucifixion, with dramatic coloration, or portraying parables with sensitivity and subdued hues. In the present work the scene is bathed in light; the group of abstracted figures on the right is full of movement, while Christ reposes under a fig tree.

Private collection, Athens.