An Artwork Tells a Story
Divine Justice
In Ioannis Mitrakas’ work titled “Divine Justice”, a dramatic episode from Samothrace in September 1821 is vividly depicted, when the Ottomans, after violently suppressing the uprising, enslaved the local population. At the center of the composition is the harrowing moment when a Turkish soldier, having found two sisters and a child hiding in their home, ties them to his horse to lead them to the ships. However, the horse, sensing that this man is not its true master, goes wild. With fierce instinctual strength, it bites the soldier’s jacket and throws him to the ground.
The painting powerfully captures the force gathered in the horse’s hind legs at the moment of the throw, serving as both a physical and symbolic expression of divine justice, which intervenes unexpectedly yet rightly, to deliver justice to the innocent.
The Prayer of Thanksgiving of the Muses to Apollo, the God of Light
The Prayer of Thanksgiving of the Muses to Apollo, the God of Light
This masterpiece of the Gallery lyrically depicts Thrace’s relationship with the Muses, the deities of art and culture. The composition, awash with shades of ochre, crimson, cadmium orange-yellow, and other colors of the soul, creates an atmosphere of inner upliftment, culminating in the presence of musical instruments that guide the viewer into the realm of the Divine. The Muses, delicate and agile, are portrayed by the artist in motion, suggesting a launch toward the universe, bringing their providence to youth, creators, scientists, and artists. The work expresses gratitude to the god Apollo for the studies and gifts of Orpheus, as well as for every spiritual advancement of the Thracians and humanity at large.The spiritual aura of the composition radiates divine light, illuminating and exalting like a fragrance of glory. Distinguished art scholars have described it as complete in terms of design, color, form, and rhythm, acknowledging its immeasurable artistic and cultural value.
Domna Bizbizi
The painting depicts a dramatic naval battle aboard Captain Chatzantonis’ caique. The captain, mortally struck by an enemy bullet, lies at the bow while his crew continues to fight bravely against the Turks. Each sailor on deck fires with determination, while Captain Domna raises her weapon toward the sky in a symbolic gesture, calling for divine aid to ensure their salvation.
"Mother" Series of Works
The work is inspired by the timeless and deeply moving figure of the mother. Although the artist had avoided depicting this theme for decades, believing that everyone had already spoken of and celebrated the mother, he eventually found the impetus through a personal experience. In 2004, during the Athens Olympic Games, a serious accident led him to the hospital, where he experienced an intense, critical moment. This experience became the catalyst for him to approach the figure of the ‘mother’—the creator of life—through his own unique perspective.