Fotis Kontoglou

Born in Ayvalik, Asia Minor in 1895, Kontoglou emerged as one of the leading Greek painters and intellectual creators of the 20th century. As a young man, he traveled to many European countries, where he encountered and studied what is known as "Western" painting, but ultimately dedicated himself to Byzantine art, particularly iconography, which he deeply explored during his visit to Mount Athos in 1923. After the Asia Minor Catastrophe, he settled in Athens, in the Kypriadou neighborhood, in a house that is now preserved as a monument by his daughter and son-in-law. He created many portable icons, illustrated churches in Athens that are now considered monuments of Byzantine iconography, restored the frescoes of Mystras, and published the book "Expression of Orthodox Iconography," a work of historical significance for the preservation of Byzantine iconography. Among his most important creations are the decoration of a hall in the Athens City Hall and the frescoes of his house. Prominent Greek painters, such as Tsarouchis and Engonopoulos, were his students. His works, exhibited in major exhibitions both domestically and internationally, are now housed in museums, galleries, and private collections. Additionally, Kontoglou was a gifted writer, a champion of Orthodoxy and Greek tradition, a lover of Greek nature, and a great seascape artist. These themes are explored in his books and over three thousand articles published in newspapers and magazines. With passion, knowledge, a powerful voice, and above all, a great heart. For his overall contribution to Greek literature and art, he was honored by the state and the Academy of Athens. He passed away in 1965 in Athens.