Nikolaos Kantounis

Kantounis, Panagiotis Doxaras, Nikolaos Doxaras and Koutouzis were all prolific members of that school. Kantounis was one of the most important painters in the Neoclassical Period in Greece. He was a representative of the middle to late Modern Greek Enlightenment in Greek art. Over 164 of his paintings have survived. He is known for painting many portraits. Some of his works resemble the style of Nikolaos Doxaras. He was also a member of the secret organization for Greek Independence called the Filiki Eteria.

The recorded working language is Modern Greek. Subjects and genres recorded for the work are portrait and icon. Positions recorded include member of Filiki Eteria. Work by Nikolaos Kantounis is recorded in the collections of Benaki Museum, Municipal Gallery of Larissa and Byzantine Museum of Zakynthos.

• Born — 1767 • Birthplace — Zakynthos • Died — 1834 • Place of death — Zakynthos • Known for — Assumption Descent from the Cross • Movement — Greek Romanticism Neoclassicism Neo Hellenikos Diafotismos Modern Greek art

• Illustration — Greek Priest (late 18th century) He was born in Zakynthos to a very wealthy and educated family. Records indicate Nikolaos was baptized on January 28, 1768. His father, Ioannis, was a doctor and a famous poet. His first teacher was the Greek poet Αντώνιος Μαρτελάος. The Greek painter, Ioannis Korais, provided his first art lessons. He also worked in the studios of Nikolaos Koutouzis, who is rumored to have expelled him out of jealousy. He would later claim to be largely self-taught. His style was influenced by both Panagiotis Doxaras and Nikolaos Doxaras. In 1786, he was ordained a priest and took a position at the church of Evangelistria in Zakynthos. By 1803, he had been hired by the executive committee of Agia Paraskevi church in Zakynthos to paint 12 icons depicting theological stories. Many of his church decorations have been destroyed by earthquakes. He was a member of the secret Greek society Filiki Eteria (Society of Friends); a group dedicated to overthrowing Ottoman rule. In 1821, he was exiled by the British because of his subversive activities. They sent him to the island of Kyra, near Cephalonia. While he was there he painted a version of the Last Supper. He was not able to return home until after the recognition of Greek Independence in 1832. In 1823, he was honored with the rank of Grand Sakellarios and, in 1825, he was mentioned in the codex of Saint Catherine of Siena in Zakynthos. Records indicate he was paid 100 thalers to create paintings for the church. He died on April 25, 1834. He was about 66 years old and left a detailed will, which had interesting information about his life and property. Some of his students were the famous Greek painters Gerasimos Pitsamanos, Dionysios Tsokos and Dionysios Kallivokas. He was one of the earliest members of the modern Greek art period. Kantounis paintings can be found at the National Gallery of Greece, the Benaki Museum, the Municipal Gallery of Larissa, the Teloglion Foundation of Arts etc.

• Illustration — Christ Removed From Cross • Illustration — Portrait of Greek writer Elizabeth Moutzan-Martinegou • Illustration — The Evangelist Matthew • Illustration — Saint George the Dragon-Slayer • Illustration — Descent from the Cross • Illustration — Ascension of Jesus • Illustration — Descent from the Cross • Illustration — Panagiotis Samartzis (Historian) • Illustration — Chemist Nikopoulos • Illustration — The Last Supper • Illustration — Priest

• Elisabeth Moutzan-Martinegko, ca 1832 National Gallery of Athens • Lamentation of Christ (Kantounis)

Nikolaos Kantounis is recorded as a citizen of United States of the Ionian Islands. Recorded with the occupation painter. Classed in the genre icon painting. Classed in the genre portrait. Identity and origins. The authorities additionally record the headings Nikolaos Candounis, Nicolas Candounis, Nicolas Kantounis and Nicolas Cantounis. His recorded language was Modern Greek.