Vasileiou Spyros (1903-1985)

The iconographer of St Dionysus the Areopagite

With over 5,500 listed works, this is one of the most productive and recognisable Greek artists of the century, as well as one of the most popular.
His art was done in painting, carving, scenography, graphic design, decoration, writing and criticism. He was also a teacher.
In 1930, he was awarded the Benakis prize of the Athens Academy on account of his planned murals for the St Dionysus the Areopagite church, which were realised shortly thereafter. He furthermore represented Greece at various Biennales and notably won the Guggenheim prize for the Greek section of the AICA in 1960.
His works, much of which covers scenes of daily life, are noteworthy for the way they depict the rapid changes the city of Athens underwent. Through his pictures, popular and byzantine art intersects with modern artistic movements.
His home in Athens was turned into a museum in 2004, though most of the exhibits in it come from private collections.