Lost Art

• Most of the early Greek painting was lost to either war or volcanic eruption, but deep excavation has revealed a wealth of surviving Greek art.
  
  

Minoan Era

• Fresco
  
  The earliest Greek paintings are from the Minoan period (1700 through 1400 BC) and consist of frescoes that were painted directly onto walls.
  
  

Byzantine Era

• Transfiguration--Byzantine
  
  Art from Byzantine Empire occurred from the 4th century until the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, and was centered on themes of religion.
  
  

Greco Style

• Agony in the Garden by El Greco
  
  El Greco is considered one of the best Greek painters. His combination of Byzantine tradition, Venetian art, and Spanish style is known as Greco style.
  
  

19th Century

• Many 19th century Greek artists pursued postgraduate studies in Munich because opportunities for artists in Greece were rare.
  
  

Style Examples

• Nikiphoros Lytras Painting
  
  During the 19th century, Nikiphoros Lytras produced authentic depictions of Greek life, while Constantinos Volanakis concentrated on painting the Greek sea.
  
  

Contemporary Era

• Modern Greek Painting
  
  Modern Greek painting displays a rich assortment of themes, styles and mediums, proving that Greek artists are influenced by their artistic and cultural history.