Georgios Klontzas

Klontzas was a leading painter of the Cretan Renaissance, born in Heraklion in 1535. Raised in a wealthy family, he inherited the Church of St. Mark, starting his career in a privileged environment.¹

In 1566, Klontzas was hired to assess an icon by the young El Greco. Already highly regarded in Crete at the time, he was in a position to evaluate the talent of contemporary masters.¹

Around 1587, he established his workshop in St. Mark's Square in the center of Candia. From this base, he produced numerous masterpieces for the local bourgeoisie and Venetian nobility.¹

In addition to icons, he produced luxurious manuscripts containing over 400 miniatures. These works, visualizing biblical prophecies and Byzantine-Ottoman history, attest to his erudition and high skill.¹

Klontzas had four sons, three of whom became painters like their father. Records from 1597 show he gave a book of prophecies to his son Loukas, reflecting their familial bond.¹

His influence remained immense after his death; later painters like Theodore Poulakis referenced Klontzas's depictions of demons and crowds. His works are now held worldwide, including the Vatican and Oxford.¹