Elias Moskos

Born in Rethymno, Crete, he later migrated to the Ionian islands of Zakynthos and Kefalonia, playing a key role in transitioning from the Cretan to the Heptanese school.¹

In 1649, he contracted to paint scenes on the pillars of the church Agios Theodore in Katastari, and was active in appointing church committee members.¹

Active as both a painter and educator, records show he taught painting to Symeon Maroudas in 1649 and K. Arvanitaki in 1653.¹

Alongside his painting, he was a successful shipping merchant, heavily involved in the industry in Zakynthos between 1659 and 1666, amassing a sizable fortune.¹

After falling ill in 1666 and initially naming his brother as heir, he eventually left a massive fortune to his two children, George and Maria, in 1687.¹

Inspired by the work of Angelos Akotantos, legal documents from 1677 indicate he also interacted with fellow artist Philotheos Skoufos.¹

He left behind fifty-two surviving paintings before his death on January 26, 1687; his signed icons serve as valuable evidence of his artistic activity.¹