Χίος – Χώρα

004621 Frixos Aristefs, Chios – The city, n.d., oil on canvas, 64 × 83 cm

The painting, a view of the port of Chios, opens in the lower right with two fishermen: one seated, sewing his nets and talking to the one standing, who is holding a basket. Behind them the calm sea with small vessels and larger boats. On the left, there is a wooden pier where some ships can be seen, while in the background, a narrow strip outlines the town of Chios; the blue dome and the tall minaret of the Medjidie mosque (one of the most imposing Ottoman monuments on the island, which today houses the Byzantine museum) can be seen on the left. The soft masses of the mountains and the sky with a few clouds complete the composition. It is interesting to observe Aristefs' working progress in the context of the commission he received from Philippos Argentis. The painter had to finish an oil painting in just a few hours in order to move on to his next destination. Thus, he adopted a practice that allowed him to work quickly. He chose general views of the landscape, avoided much detail, and had adopted a relatively rapid execution, emphasizing the role of light. Occasionally, the picture was enlivened by some graphic details. In this case, the two fishermen, probably painted afterwards in more suitable circumstances, since the general ensemble is distinguished by its speed, abstract mood and rather fluid character.