Τοπίο με Βίγλα

000799 Nikos Yialouris, Landscape with “vigla” (i.e., Watch Tower), 1981, Indian ink and watercolour on cardboard, 50 × 68 cm

The medieval word “vigla” derives from the Italian language and refers to a watch point located at a high vantage point. It also denotes the guard (or garrison) and the location where someone stands on lookout. The term vigles (plural) was used for the stone-built towers scattered throughout the countryside, from which sentinels would watch for the approach of enemies (pirates). In this particular drawing by Yialouris, executed in Indian ink and watercolours, a lush landscape is depicted—paths, small cottages, and a hill topped with a partially ruined stone tower of square plan. It is a vigla. The artist conceives the landscape with the fast, fluid line of black ink. However, here, colour plays a dominant role. Vivid greens and blues contrast with touches of brown and beige, suggesting that the scene is set in springtime. This impression is further enhanced by the transparent quality of the watercolour. The simplicity of the drawing and the expressionistic brushwork do not conceal the overall lyrical tone—the artist’s deep affection for the landscape of Chios.