A monumental painting by pioneering Greek modernist Constantinos Parthenis set a new record on Wednesday, becoming the most expensive Greek artwork of the 20th century ever sold at auction.
Parthenis’ “Poetry (Annunciation)” fetched €1 million during Bonhams’ Greek Sale in Paris after a tense 10-minute bidding battle conducted largely over the phone.
The work, painted in the late 1950s, far exceeded its pre-sale estimate of €300,000 to €500,000. Bidding began cautiously in increments of €10,000 before accelerating sharply, with offers eventually jumping by €50,000 as collectors competed for the large-scale canvas. The final price rose to roughly €1.25 million, including fees, prompting applause in the auction room.
“It has all the defining characteristics of Parthenis – a sense of elevation, idealism, a lofty vision and references to both ancient Greece and Byzantium that suggest the continuity of Hellenism,” Terpsichori Angelopoulou, director of Art Expertise and Bonhams’ representative for the Greek art market, told Kathimerini after the sale.
“There is also a spirituality to the work without it being overtly religious,” she said. “We hoped collectors would recognize that this was a rare opportunity that may not come again.”
