Allegorical scene 1955

Konstantinos Parthenis created this allegorical scene with pencil and pastel on paper. The piece is evocative of the Symbolist movement, which sought to represent absolute truths through metaphorical images and emotive force. Parthenis's art was deeply influenced by his Greek heritage and spiritual beliefs. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Greece was experiencing a cultural reawakening, seeking to redefine its national identity through art and literature. Here, ethereal figures, reminiscent of classical sculptures, suggest a connection to ancient Greek ideals of beauty and harmony. Yet the muted colors and dreamlike quality reflect a more modern sensibility, hinting at the artist’s exploration of inner emotional states and perhaps a longing for an idealized past. While Parthenis's style was rooted in tradition, it was also forward-looking. He created his own aesthetic language, blending elements of Symbolism, Impressionism, and early Modernism. This allegorical scene invites us to contemplate the intersections of history, identity, and spiritual yearning.