| May 24, 2013 |
Language selection |
 |
|
|
 |
| Culture & Arts subjects
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marblecarving
The role of Tinos in the revival of modern Greek art is significant
in the field of painting, but even more so in that of sculpture.
Marble sculpture flourished both in the pre- and post-revolutionary
period. (Especially in the north-western part of the island, in Pirgos and Panorma).
The chisels of Tinian sculptors created works adorning churches, grave stones,
and squares in practically every Greek town, even in the faraway regions of
Asia Minor.
We can only guess at the reasons of this creative wave. Here are
several possible explanations:
•Tinos happened to be the only Greek island that did not experience the
brunt of Ottoman oppression, as Turkish occupation only lasted for about a century.
•Since ancient times, there are quarries of white marble, as well as plenty
of green marble, slate and granite in the north-western parts of the island.
Therefore, it is only natural that the presence of these materials influenced
the development of this art form.
•The environment has its impact on people and calls upon their natural
inclination for artistic creativity.
There are two traditional versions:
•The father of Phidias was from Tinos.
•The above mentioned great sculptor of antiquity, while in exile, taught
Tinians his artistic skills. His presence on the island was due to the fortunate
coincidence that the ship which brought him to Delos was grounded in the region
of Kionia.
The eminent Tinian artists are the founders of modern Greek painting
and sculpture. During the establishment of the independent Greek state, after
the post-revolutionary period, Tinian artists created all the remarkable buildings
that now grace Athens (Archeological Museum, Academy, University, Parliament)
and other Greek cities. Since 1955, the Fine Arts School opened in Pirgos on
Tinos and taught hundreds of artists. Today, many of these are well-known in
Greece.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodcarving
Tiniot popular artists were not only talented marble sculptors: they
also excelled in woodcarving. Unfortunately, not many items of their work have
been preserved to this day. Among eminent woodcarvers we can cite Hatzinikolos
Printezis. At the beginning of the last century, he created the dais, entirely
carved in wood, of the church of Anastaseos. Ioannis Kollaros, together with Printesos,
became known for their creations of figureheads for ships, samples of which can
be found in the National
Museum of Athens.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
