273 - Nikolaos Tzafouris (Crete, 1468–1501), attributed

Nikolaos Tzafouris (Crete, 1468–1501), attributed Virgin of Consolation Tempera and gold on wood 21 x 17 cm This 16th-century Venetian-Cretan icon was created by Nikolaos Tzafouris toward the end of the 15th century. It represents one of the most telling examples of how Byzantine art intertwined with Western art, particularly Venetian art. In fact, it appears to have been created during Tzafouris’s stay in Venice, where he was captivated by Giovanni Bellini’s Madonnas. After taking his first steps as an artist in his homeland, Nikolaos Tzafouris traveled to Venice to complete his artistic training. Although no precise details are available, he likely came into contact with Giovanni Bellini, and may even have been his student. He later returned to Crete—which was then part of the Republic of Venice’s territories—where he established a workshop that brought him renown among both Greek Orthodox believers and Catholics throughout the eastern Mediterranean. Nikolaos Tzafouris (Crete 1468–1501) attributed Virgin of Consolation Tempera and gold on panel 21 x 17 cm This 16th-century Venetian-Cretan icon was created by Nikolaos Tzafouris toward the end of the 15th century. It represents one of the most telling examples of how Byzantine art intertwined with Western art, particularly that of Venice. Indeed, it appears to have been created during Tzafouris’s stay in Venice, where he was captivated by Giovanni Bellini’s Madonnas.