Emmanuel Tzanes

Born in Rethymno, Crete, in 1610, he studied traditional Cretan school iconography and demonstrated exceptional skill from his early works.¹

During his eight years on Corfu, he painted numerous icons. During this period, he sometimes collaborated with the prominent painter Philotheos Skoufos.¹

When the Ottomans conquered Rethymno in 1646, he fled his homeland for Corfu. This upheaval marked a major turning point in his life and artistic career.¹

He moved to Venice in 1655 and spent the rest of his life there. Exposed to contemporary trends in Venetian painting, he further evolved his style.¹

Finished in 1659, 'The Holy Towel' is one of his most popular works, characterized by meticulous detail and the high spirituality typical of the Cretan school.¹

He served as the parish priest of San Giorgio dei Greci in Venice for twenty years and was a supervisor at the Flanginian School run by the Greek Confraternity.¹

His works span from 1636 to 1689, reflecting his versatility as a Greek Renaissance intellectual and his deep devotion to religious art.¹