Photis Kontoglou

Biography

Photis Kontoglou was born on November 8, 1895, in the city of Ayvalik. He was a Greek artist, writer, restorer, translator, and illustrator. In his creative work, Kontoglou paid special attention to the genre of icon painting and was associated with the Thirties Generation movement. He is regarded as the first and principal representative of the movement that returned art to the Greek folk tradition and Orthodox aesthetic. Important places in Kontoglou’s life included his native Ayvalik and the historic city of Athens, where he passed away on July 13, 1965. In addition to his creative activities, he was also an art teacher. Kontoglou’s nationality was Greek. His contribution to the culture of the first half of the twentieth century is recognized as a significant stage in the revival and reinterpretation of the Greek national artistic heritage.