KONSTANTINOS MALEAS (1879 - 1928)
Profitis Ilias or Taleton (2, 404 m - 7,887 ft)
Greece
The mountain
Profitis Ilias (2404 m - 7887 ft or "Prophet Elias", probably the classical Mount Taleton mentioned by Pausanias, is the tallest mountain in the Peloponnese peninsula in Southern Greece par of the Mount Taygetus massif (Ταΰγετος)
The name is one of the oldest recorded in Europe, appearing in the Odyssey. In classical mythology, it was associated with the nymph Taygete. During Byzantine times and up until the 19th century, the mountain was also known as Pentadaktylos (five-fingered, a common name during that period).
The Tayetus Massif is about 100 km (62 mi) long, extending from the center of the Peloponnese to Cape Matapan, its southernmost extremity.The summit is an ultra-prominent peak. It is prominent above the Isthmus of Corinth, which separating the Peloponnese from mainland Greece, rises only to approximately 60 m (200 ft). Numerous creeks wash down from the mountains and the Eurotas has some of its headwaters in the northern part of the range. The western side of the massif houses the headwaters of the Vyros Gorge, which carries winter snowmelt down the mountain, emptying into the Messenian Gulf in the town of Kardamyli.
The peak known as Taleton, above Bryseae, was 'dedicated' to Helios, the Sun, to whom horses were sacrificed. Taleton was also 'dedicated' to Zeus. Today, the mountain is closely associated with the holy Prophet Elias, and every year on the 20th of July (the Greek Orthodox name day for the Prophet Elias), the small chapel at the peak holds a large festival, including a massive bonfire in commemoration of the Prophet Elias (note: a Greek-style transliteration of 'Eliyah,' אליה the prophet), as he is believed to have ascended up into heaven in a chariot of fire. The bonfire can be seen from anywhere with clear view of the summit, and it is for this reason that the town of Kardamyli is a local gathering point for those who wish to view the fire without having to climb the mountain.
The painter
Konstantinos Maleas (1879 - 1928) (Κωνσταντίνος Μαλέας)was one of the most important Post-impressionist Greek painters of the 20th century. Along with Konstantinos Parthenis, he is sometimes considered Greece's most important modern artist. Maleas work was influenced by the work of Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh, and by the art movements. of symbolism, impressionism and fauvism. His paintings are characterized by very light and bright colors, the large brushes that revolutionalised the stagnant Athenian art of the time. Most art critics condemned his work , and it was only Fotos Politis that recognized the value of Maleas's work, also urging young artists to learn from his paintings. Maleas remains one of the most popular Greek modern artists, and his works are exhibited at the National Gallery of Athens and elsewhere.
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2019 - Wandering Vertexes...
by Francis Rousseau
