The artists of Corfu
From poets to painters, writers to sculptors, Corfu has long been a favourite destination for creatives seeking tranquility and inspiration to nurture their artistic expression. With its outstanding natural beauty, laden with lush rolling hillsides, hiding quaint whitewashed villages and churches, lapped by a periphery of golden beaches and rocky coves, it isn’t difficult to understand why Corfu has long been a source of artistic inspiration.
It was during the 16th century when Corfu began to emerge as a haven for artists. In the early 1700s, Crete was developing as an important artists’ hub with the creation of a school of painting known as the ‘Cretan school’. When the Turks invaded Crete, a number of Cretan residents migrated to Corfu, bringing their artistic passion and expertise with them.
One such painter was Father Emmanuel Tzanes who was born of Crete but left the island to go to Corfu in 1646. Five of this influential religious painter’s works are housed in the Byzantine Church of Saints Jason and Sosipater.
Surrounded by tall houses this ancient church remains obscured from view. However, being built in approximately 1,000AD, making it the oldest church in Corfu Town, and being made from stone and marble, finding this beautiful Byzantine church is well worth the effort.
Today’s Corfu’s long-standing history of fostering artistic flair is evident across the island.
Museums and art galleries are plentiful on Corfu, dedicated to showcasing the island’s rich artistic heritage.
For example, the Municipal Art Gallery housed inside the magnificent St Michael’s and St George’s Palace contains an impressive collection of art associated with the island. Much of the works on display in this inspiring museum date back to the Byzantine period, a golden epoch for art on Corfu.