14/11/2006
Evaluation of their art

Triantaphyllos Sioulis © Ioannina Prefecture

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We are dealing here with one of the most noteworthy teams of hagiographers in Epirus during the specific period (18th –1st half of 19th century). We may even be able to describe them as the most «traditional».
The works that they have endowed us with have been clearly inspired by the Orthodox tradition, which also dominates in terms of the motifs, the subject matter, the iconography programme, etc. Assuredly, the «Interpretation of Painting» by Dionysios Fournas, as well as the older, Palaeologean and Cretan painting ensembles, were their models and their guides.
The study of their work has shown them to be conscientious professionals, with an excellent training and knowledge of the objective.
The colours and the various chromatic combinations, the subject matter, the moulding of the figures, etc., attest to this fact. Even the works that they created, more specifically the murals, were completed in a small period of time, since during that period the demand for hagiographers was great. However this fact did not have consequences on the quality of their work. On the contrary, this implies that they worked strenuously and for the entire year, winter and summer, which would also indicate their professionalism.
As it appears from their works, they were continually informed in relation to the new trends and styles that prevailed during that period in Europe. They adapted the innovations however in such a manner so that they were «lost» or assimilated by the overall nature of their work.
The continual research and the relevant promotion of their work and the general progress of time have resulted in the elevation of this great cultural wealth of ours, with unlimited positive benefits also in relation to the actual art of hagiography, for those who have served it as well as for the area more generally.