Constantinos Maleas

Constantinos Maleas was one of the most significant Greek Post-Impressionist painters of the early 20th century. Along with Constantinos Parthenis, he is regarded as the "father of modern art in Greece" and one of the first "plein air" artists who introduced new aesthetic movements into Greek painting. Early Years and Education Maleas was born and raised in Constantinople and graduated from the Great School of the Nation, where he first encountered painting. In 1901, he left for Paris to study architecture. However, his exposure to the artistic environment of the French capital led him to painting. He remained in France until 1908, studying at the École des Arts Décoratifs and the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts. There, he was a student of Neo-Impressionist painter Henri Martin, who greatly influenced his style. Travels and Early Works After completing his studies, Maleas returned to Constantinople. Shortly afterward, he traveled for two years across the N...