Theofilos (Hadjimichail) Paintings

Theofilos Hadjimichail, known simply as Theofilos, was a major Greek folk painter of modern times, born in 1870 near Mytilene on the island of Lesbos. His full name was Theofilos Hadjimichail, but he is commonly referred to by his first name. Theofilos was largely self-taught and began his artistic journey at a young age. He spent much of his early life traveling throughout Greece, working as an itinerant painter. He painted mainly on walls of houses, shops, chapels, and public spaces, and his work was characterized by its naive style and vibrant colors.

Theofilos never received formal art education and lived in poverty for most of his life. Despite this, he was prolific, creating a large body of work that depicted Greek rural life, history, mythology, and national heroes. His paintings often included portraits of Greek historical figures and scenes from traditional village life, reflecting his love and nostalgia for the Greece of his time.

Theofilos's work was not widely recognized until late in his life, when the Greek art critic and collector Stratis Eleftheriadis, known as Teriade, discovered and championed his art. Teriade organized an exhibition in Paris in 1936, two years after Theofilos's death, which brought international attention to his work. This posthumous recognition helped establish Theofilos as an important figure in Greek folk art. His legacy is preserved in the Theofilos Museum in Mytilene, which was founded by Teriade to honor the painter and showcase his works.

Theofilos's art is now celebrated for its raw and authentic representation of Greek culture and its unique contribution to the naïve art movement. His work is considered emblematic of Greek folk art traditions and continues to be admired for its simplicity, directness, and charm. Theofilos died in 1934, but his influence on Greek art and the preservation of Greek cultural heritage endures.