Karfakis’ Iconography
Themistocles Karfakis has been regarded as a master of iconography, having created and aged more than eighty icons over the course of his career. His profound knowledge of Byzantine art, acquired during his stay in Jerusalem and the broader East, led him to develop a distinctive technique of artificial aging, which he successfully applied to his works. This mastery was so convincing that he was twice accused of antiquities smuggling, with his works sent to institutes in France and Greece for expert examination—both times resulting in his acquittal.Often, he introduced subtle expressions of emotion into his icons, diverging from the strictly hieratic conventions of saintly representation. In doing so, he created a sense of living presence that drew the viewer into direct encounter with the sacred. His art thus combined fidelity to tradition with a spirit of innovation, always aligned with the ideals of Byzantine aesthetics.Deeply influenced by the colors of Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) and his own love of Impressionism, Karfakis sought to penetrate the essence of Byzantine art. On wood panels, he captured a renewed vision of this tradition—one that was both timeless and contemporary.“Byzantine compositions, multifigured works from the 14th to the 16th century, recreated with such astonishing fidelity that even experts find it difficult to distinguish the original from the copy.
This concerns the case of the iconographer–painter Themistocles Karfakis, perhaps unique in the art of aging Byzantine icons. A multifaceted artist, with profound knowledge and his own original methods in the craft of icon aging, he presents his work — the result of many years of dedication — which can truly be regarded as a milestone in this field.”
"The Annunciation scene"
"Archangel Michael"
"Coexistence"
Saint Demetrius
"The Resurrection of Christ"
"Saint Catherine the Great Martyr"
"Platytera of the Heavens"
"Saint Mercurius"
Saint Theodore the Tyron