Artwork
Προσωπογραφία του Κωνσταντίνου Α'
Προσωπογραφία του Κωνσταντίνου Α' is an unspecified painting by Dukas Joh.. It dates from 2009 and is held in the collection of the Historical & Ethnological Society of Greece.
About this work
Overview
‘Προσωπογραφία του Κωνσταντίνου Α'’ is a portrait executed in 2009 by the artist Dukas Joh. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. Rendered in a modest, dark setting, the image presents a youthful figure in a naval uniform, emphasizing a solemn expression and a distinct headgear bearing the inscription “ΜΑΙΝΑ.”
Subject & Meaning
The sitter appears as a young man, likely a naval recruit, indicated by the sailor’s coat, white collar, and flat cap. The serious gaze and subdued lighting suggest a formal representation, perhaps intended to convey the discipline and identity associated with military service in contemporary Greek society.
Technique & Style
Dukas Joh. employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between illuminated facial planes and a deep, unadorned background. Soft light falls on the cheeks, while shadows define the contours of the nose and jaw, creating a three‑dimensional presence. The restrained palette and precise rendering of the uniform’s details reflect a realistic yet subtly stylized approach.
History & Provenance
Created in 2009, the portrait entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings shortly after its completion, though the exact acquisition date is not recorded in public sources. The museum’s focus on cultural artifacts situates the work within a broader collection of objects documenting Greek social and military life.
Context
The painting emerges from a period of renewed interest in documenting everyday figures within Greek visual culture. By portraying a uniformed youth, the work aligns with contemporary explorations of national identity, civic duty, and the visual language of uniformed service that has long been a motif in Greek portraiture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Dukas Joh. had a habit of painting people exactly as they were, right down to the unflattering details. He once told a sitter, "I won’t lie for you," and left the wrinkles and tired eyes in place. That straightforward…
Museum
Historical & Ethnological Society of Greece
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