The icon of the life of Joseph by the painter Neilos and its western sources

Abstract

In this article the author revisits an icon depicting the vita of Josef from the museum of the monastery of Gonia, Crete, which was painted by the painter Neilos in 1642, according to its inscription. The analysis of the work, from an iconographic and stylistic point of view, along with additional evidence that stems from the work itself, shed light on aspects of the artistic production in Creteduring the 17th century. Thus, the analysis underpins the close relations that the painters had with Western engravings and that Neilos drew from the work of his contemporaries, like that of Michael Damaskenos. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of the work of Neilos with those of Theodore Poulakis’s showcases that the former was inspired by the latter and his dated icon can be used as a terminus ante quem for the work of the latter. Finally, the new attempt to read the inscription reveals the possible surname of the painter, which in that case would be Neilos Kokolitzas.