Ancient times
The Ionian Islands, like all of Greece, are heirs to a rich past. Unfortunately, the earthquake of 1953 dealt a cruel blow to its heritage. During the Mycenaean period, the island of Cephalonia seems to have been particularly flourishing. The Archaeological Museum of Argostoli preserves prehistoric and Roman pottery, among other remains. On the mythical island, we can admire in Skala the ruins of a Roman villa and its mosaics. The majority of the finds are gathered in the archaeological museum of Corfu. The famous gorgon that once adorned the temple of Artemis has found its refuge here.
Byzantine influence
The church of the Holy Mother of God Antivouniotissa is a must-see. Dating from the 15th century, it is one of the oldest and most exciting places in Corfu. It houses the Antivouniotissa Museum of Byzantine Art, which displays paintings from the 15th to the 18th century, from the Cretan and early Corfu schools. Among the artists exhibited, two figures stand out: Michael Damaskinos (1530/1535 - 1592/1593) and Emmanuel Tzanes (1610-1690). Like many of the painters of his century, Damaskinos trained in Venice and spent a long time in Italy. This Cretan contemporary of El Greco, initiated into miniature painting, established himself as the master of the icon. Despite the codification of this art which governs the subjects, the somewhat rigid forms and the colors, the energy of Damaskenos jumps to the eyes. The movement he gives to his scenes contrasts with the hieratic nature of traditional representations. The use of pink is one of his contributions, as well as the introduction of flesh tones. Damaskinos worked for many years in the Ionian Islands. The stylistic characteristics of his art had a strong influence from the 16th century. The works of his disciples are exhibited in the Municipal Gallery, the ideal place to learn about Byzantine art and Venetian-influenced painting in Corfu. Another Cretan icon painter, Emmanuel Tzanes, was one of the most prominent artists of his time. Particularly active in Venice, he took refuge in Corfu during the Siege of 1646. His art offers a sumptuous fusion of the Italian codes of the Renaissance and the art of the icon.
The painter Panagiotis Doxaras
Born in 1662 in mainland Greece, Panagiotis Doxaras was only 2 years old when his family moved to the island of Zakynthos. It was there that he learned painting from Leo Moscos, who was then running a workshop. After several years fighting in the Venetian army, he studied painting in Venice between 1699 and 1704. A great admirer of the Italian masters, and most of all of Leonardo da Vinci, he perfected his technique by observing his models on location. He then lived for several years in the Peloponnese, before returning to the Ionian Islands, notably Corfu and Zakynthos, which he never left. The work of Panagiotis Doxaras marks a key stage in the history of Greek painting. The artist began the transition from Byzantine iconography to the Renaissance. In a revolutionary text for his time, he urged his contemporaries to adopt the innovative principles of the Renaissance. In terms of form, Panagiotis Doxaras was one of the few artists of his time to pay particular attention to the faces in his religious representations. His other contributions include the introduction of oil painting in the realization of icons, and the development of portraiture. Panagiotis Doxaras died in Corfu in 1729.
In Zakynthos, the Solomos and Kalvos Museum, rich in post-Byzantine art, is located in the largest square of Zakynthos. Alongside its precious icons, one discovers frescoes dating from the 16th to the 19th century. Its collection of photographs invites to discover Zakynthos before the devastating earthquake of 1953.
Modern fantasies
The successive occupations have enriched the local heritage with buildings that are now museums. The greatest monument of Corfu is none other than... its old town! Classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, it can be visited by strolling along its cobbled streets. Its traditional churches and its museums offer enriching stops. You may be surprised to find a museum of Asian art, housed in the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George. This manor house inherited from the English rule houses the only Greek museum that focuses on Chinese, but also Japanese and Indian antiquities. Don't miss its collection of paintings, porcelain and sculptures from the Neolithic period to the 19th century.
Another British neoclassical palace, the Mon Repos Palace soon became the summer residence of the Greek royal family. Its peaceful location in the Kanoni district, between a green temple, ancient ruins and Garista Bay, is absolutely idyllic. Nowadays, the palace is occupied by the archaeological treasures unearthed in the Ionian Islands. The museum is open to the public and is complemented by period furniture.
The impressive Achilleion unfolds like a spacious Mon Repos. About ten kilometers from the capital, it was built in 1890 at the request of the unfortunate Elisabeth of Austria. The palace of Sissi the Empress, decorated with beautiful frescoes, became state property in 1928. In addition to the period furniture and paintings, its garden is worth a visit. After admiring the breathtaking views, discover the 19th century statues that dot the property.
Nowadays
Since 1979, the Cultural Center of Lefkada on the island of Lefkada has emerged as the epicenter of artistic life. Around the exhibition hall Theodors Stamos, workshops and various cultural events are organized. Among the initiatives aimed at contemporary art, the Corfu Gallery, on Nikiforou Theotoki Street in Corfu, is open to all disciplines. Artists from the islands and from all over Greece are invited to participate in the exhibitions.
Direction Monodendri, where the Rizario Exhibition Center hosts quality exhibitions. Its collection of photographs literally takes you back in time. Local history is rewritten through moving series of black and white photos, mostly bequeathed by local families.
