72 - Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika (1906–1994)

Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika (1906–1994) The Artist’s Personal Painting Palette, with Provenance from Film Director Vasilis Maros An exceptionally rare and historically significant painting palette belonging to Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika (1906–1994), one of the most celebrated figures of twentieth-century Greek modern art. The wooden palette retains extensive accumulations of original paint in a rich variety of colours. Its remarkably textured surface offers a rare and intimate insight into the artist’s creative process, working methods and distinctive approach to colour. Palette dimensions: 36 cm height x 27 cm width. The palette is housed in a transparent protective display case. Provenance Τhe palette was personally gifted by Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika to the distinguished Greek documentary filmmaker Vasilis Maros (1929–2002), who directed a documentary dedicated to the artist in the late 1970s. The palette subsequently passed to Maros’s son, from whom it was reportedly acquired by a private collector. It was later purchased by the present owner. The association between Ghika and Maros is of particular historical interest, reflecting their documented artistic collaboration. Accompanying Documentation The palette is accompanied by a handwritten dedication dated 23 November 1978, together with a period photograph depicting the artist and Vasilis Maros, and a handwritten certificate attesting to the authenticity of both the palette and the dedication, signed by Mrs Providi, former Curator of the Ghika Gallery. Additional supporting documentation includes email correspondence with the current Curator of the Ghika Gallery Archive at the Benaki Museum, who contacted Mrs Providi directly and Mrs Providi confirmed that she had personally signed the accompanying certificate. Historical Significance More than an artist’s personal possession, this exceptional palette represents a tangible connection to the creative world of Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika. Preserving the physical traces of his painting practice, it constitutes a rare piece of Greek modern art history. Its reported provenance through documentary filmmaker Vasilis Maros, together with the accompanying historical documentation, further enhances its cultural and collecting significance. Condition: Preserved with original paint accumulations and age-related surface characteristics. Housed in a transparent protective display case, as illustrated.