Lot 8: Vasilios Chatzis (Greek, 1870-1915) Greek shore 58 x 120 cm.

Vasilios Chatzis (Greek, 1870-1915)
Greek shore signed in Greek (upper left)oil on panel58 x 120 cm.

We are grateful to Professor M. Vlachos for his assistance in authenticating this lot.The son of a shipowner and an eminent exponent of the Munich school, though he never studied at the Bavarian capital's Academy of Fine Arts, Chatzis was an exceptional talent, often rivalling his great teacher C. Volanakis1 (compare C. Volanakis, Sunset promenade with ships in the distance, lot 25).Capturing a tranquil seashore scene with compelling naturalism, Chatzis's Greek shore is a highly accomplished work distinguished by crisp design, colour sensitivity, romantic feel and excellent compositional balance. Note how the low horizon that gives full value to the spaciousness of the sky is intersected by the vertical accent of the boat mast to capture the absolute stillness of the hour. Demonstrating great skill in rendering the two groups of people perfectly integrated in their natural surroundings, this fascinating image of beached boats and fishermen at work chants the stories of everyday life on the Greek seacoast.1. "When you look at his pictures you are reminded of Volanakis". G. Vokos, "Vassilios Hantzis" [in Greek], Kallitechnis magazine, no. 18, September 1911, p. 201. See also M. Vlachos, Greek Marine Painting, Olkos editions, Athens 1993, p. 231.