Markos Strelitzas Bathas. Complete Works, Life, and Personality of a Cretan Painter Between Venice and Byzantium

• Applicant: Dr. Markos Giannoulis
• Subject Area: Classical, Roman, Christian and Islamic Archaeology ; Art History
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 550433104

The research project aims to analyze in detail the extensive oeuvre of Markos Strelitzas Bathas, an outstanding Cretan painter of the 16th century. His oeuvre represents a fascinating synthesis of traditional Byzantine art and the "innovative" currents of the Renaissance. Artists' careers, characterized by diverse encounters, movements and spaces of relationships, prove to be precise prisms for exploring the cultural and social upheavals of the transition from the Middle Ages to the early modern period. The planned project leverages the rare and valuable perspective of a Cretan artist who was not only a witness but also a participant in these profound transformations of his time. The focus is on the art historical analysis and precise cataloging of his entire body of work to highlight both the complexity and scope of his artistic output. This is intended to foster a deeper understanding of his personality and artistic expression. A key element is the examination of personal manuscripts used by Markos Bathas, which he adorned with illustrations, comments, sketches, and self-portraits. These works - extraordinarily rare in the context of the Byzantine and post-Byzantine era - provide direct access to Bathas' thought world and offer deep insights into his exceptional artistic talent and genius. Furthermore, the project aims to explore Bathas' social environment and his significant influence on the art scene between Crete and Venice, with a special focus on the impact of family ties, friendships, and professional relationships on shaping his artistic direction and position within both society and the art world. Comparing his work with that of contemporary artists from the post-Byzantine period and the Italian Renaissance opens new perspectives on the artistic and cultural dynamics of that era. Such a holistic examination of this extraordinary case allows for a profound understanding of the complex interconnections and interactions between artistic traditions in a time of societal change.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants