Theophanes the Cretan

His work influenced many later painters, including Fragkos Katelanos and Dionysius of Fourna. Theophanes's son and apprentice Symeon Bathas Strelitzas later became a professional painter in his own right.

• Name — Theophanes Bathas • Born — 1485–1490 • Birthplace — Heraklion, Republic of Venice • Died — 1559 • Place of death — Heraklion, Republic of Venice • Known for — Painting • Movement — Cretan school

Theophanes was born in Heraklion, Crete. His family, which originated in the Peloponnesus region, had been associated with painting for over a century. He was married and had two sons, Symeon and Nifos-Neophytos. Sometime before 1527 his wife died young and the family moved to Mount Athos, where Theophanes and his sons became monks and worked as painters. Theophanes's work was sufficiently esteemed that he received a commission in the Great Lavra, the largest monastery at Mount Athos. He painted frescos in the main building of the complex, a Byzantine church dating back to 1004. The signature of Theophanes can be found in many parts of the building. In 1536, Theophanes purchased a seat in Great Lavra Monastery for himself and his sons. He made an additional payment in 1540 and received a better location, with a vineyard and orchard. When his children were old enough he purchased the right for them to stay at the monastery with him. He also paid for his funeral in advance. Three years later Theophanes settled in Karyes, the administrative and commercial center of Mount Athos. He exchanged some of his property for a pyrgos, or tower, and meadows with orchards. Historians believe that Theophanes traveled back and forth to Heraklion, and that he worked as a painter in the Meteora monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapausas and in the Chrysostomou Monastery of Cyprus. By 1552, records indicate he was in Heraklion. He died on February 24, 1559, having amassed a sizable fortune; his will, recorded the same day as his death, gave his two children silver, apartments in Heraklion, gold ducats, and other gold coins dating back to the Byzantine Empire. The Bathas family was very important in the world of icon painting. The sons of Theophanes continued his legacy. Other relatives active around his lifetime were Markos Bathas, George Bathas, and Thomas Bathas, the last of whom participated in the decoration of the Venetian church of San Giorgio dei Greci.

• Narthex of the monastery of Agios Nikolaos, Meteora • Stavronikita Monastery, Mount Athos • The Great Lavra Monastery, Mount Athos

• Illustration — Apostle Peter - Stavronikita monastery, Mt Athos • Illustration — Saint Paul 1546 • Illustration — Jesus in Golgotha • Illustration — Crucifixion • Illustration — Virgin and Child • Illustration — The Ascension 1546 • Illustration — Adam naming the animals • Illustration — Epitaphios (Lamentation of Christ) from Stavronikita monastery, Mount Athos. • Illustration — Last Supper, also from Stavronikita. Western influence is more apparent here, in the figures of the apostles especially. • Illustration — Jesus and the Samaritan Woman • Illustration — Saint Justin • Illustration — Jesus before Pontius Pilate • Illustration — The Nativity Story • Illustration — Prophet Ezekiel • Illustration — Washing of the feet • Illustration — Sts. John, Theophanios, and Theodosios

The authorities additionally record the headings Theophanis Strelitzas, Theophanis Bathas Strelitzas, Theophanes of Crete, Theophanes Strelitzas and Theophanes Bathas. His recorded language was medieval Greek. His recorded confession was Eastern Orthodoxy.

Theophanes the Cretan is recorded as painter and iconographer.