2. MEMORIES FROM ASSISI"
Through much detail, gold, chivalry andpoeticism, and vivid imagination, the artist Konstantinos Zannetos
brings to life on his canvases the age ofdawn. From the darkness ofthe Middles Ages, comes the light ofthe
Renaissance and with it stories ofknights and queens, ofmythologicalfigures and creatures and symbolism, in
absolute harmony with floral backgrounds and designs.
Zannetos is inspiredfrom the days he spent in Assisi. The artist has sunk into a peaceful atmosphere ofbeauty
and having taken it in, having amalgamated it with his own soul, brings it out in a series ofworks which
emanate quality and transcendental meditation. The art is ethereal; it carries the viewer along with it on wings
ofangels, on knight's horses to another world. The hare signifies rebirth, resurrection to the light, a symbol of
fertility and sensuality. Roses recall love, violets recall shyness and books the knowledge that unites the world.
Every single little detail speaks ofits own and altogether, figures and objects, lead us to light, to hope. In a
quiet, un-provoking way, the artist expresses his optimism.
In the days we have been livingfor almost two generations now, beauty invites us to take a breath offresh air.
Are we looking atfantasy escapism? Perhaps yes, but so necessary! The artist's work recalls the sensuality and
emotions ofthe Pre-Raphaelite era. Does it remind us ofKlimt? The uprightfigure ofa woman, does she not
bring to mind Theodora? Byzantium? Elements from various periods are here reproduced to give pleasure and
beauty and make allusions to the multiculturalpast ofCyprus: theyform a secret garden to be entered,
discovered and appreciated.
Dr. Rita C. Severis
Art Historian
