Virgin_of_the_Passion
Virgin of the Passion
Painting by Emmanuel Tzanfournaris
The Virgin of the Passion is a famous rendition of the Madonna and Child by Greek painter Emmanuel Tzanfournaris. He was born in Corfu to the painter Georgios Tzanfournaris. By age twenty-nine Emmanuel moved to Venice. Emmanuel's teacher was painter Thomas Bathas. He met him on the island Corfu. Bathas left Emmanuel a sizable fortune in his will. Both painters created a famous version of the Virgin and Child. The Bathas version is called Virgin Nikopoios.[1][2]
The Panagia and Child have been painted countless times by Greek and Italian artists. Legend has it that Luke was the first to paint a portrait of the two figures. The painting style has roots in Greek-Italian Byzantine art. The Tzanfournaris version is part of the collection of the Hellenic Institute of Venice Museum.[3]