Participation in the exhibition “Eurydice Costopoulos (1907-1980)”

The Alpha Bank Art Collection is participating in the exhibition with 8 works by painter Eurydice Costopoulos:

• Santorini, Oil on hardboard, 53 x 38 cm
• Santorini, Oil on hardboard, 45 x 54 cm
• Ships, Oil on hardboard, 30 x 40 cm
• Boats, Oil on hardboard, 46 x 55 cm
• Rustic house, Oil on canvas, 40 x 50 cm
• Kavouri, 1950-55, Oil on hardboard, 37 x 53.5 cm
• Port of Hydra, 1950-60, Oil on hardboard, 39 x 49 cm
• The Monastery in Dafni, Oil on hardboard, 26 x 40 cm

Compilation of works by Eurydice Costopoulos

Apart from the 8 works by Eurydice Costopoulos on loan from the Alpha Bank Art Collection, the exhibition also presents works by the artist from:

• Other collections.
• The J. F. Costopoulos Foundation collection.

All the works highlight Eurydice Costopoulos’ goal to experience and offer joy through creation.

A female affair

Showcasing works by female Greek artists is an interesting initiative of the Panayotis and Effie Michelis Foundation.

The exhibition for Eurydice Costopoulos follows on similar exhibitions dedicated to other significant female artists of the post-war era.

Eurydice and Yiannis Costopoulos

Eurydice Costopoulos (1907-1980) was the mother of the late Alpha Bank Chairperson Yiannis Costopoulos. His sister, Annie Costopoulos, also a painter, had written that the siblings “grew up in an environment that cultivated the love for art.” This is why Yiannis Costopoulos turned out to be a major art lover and collector, with great ties to many artists.

Besides, the exhibition with works by painter Eurydice Costopoulos pays homage to Yiannis Costopoulos himself, being among the earliest trustees of the Michelis Foundation.

Curation and side publications

Exhibition curators:

• Irene Orati, Art Director of the J. F. Costopoulos Foundation.
• Vangelis Nikolaou, head of the A49 Art Gallery.

The exhibition, which will also be held in Athens, is accompanied by a bilingual exhibition catalogue.

Apprenticeship and relationships with artists

Eurydice Costopoulos studied under Periklis Vyzantios (1893-1972) and Efthimios Papadimitriou (1895-1959), who were great artists of their time.

In the post-war era, and up until her passing, she formed friendships and partnerships with numerous artists and scholars. As a matter of fact, she urged many of them to participate in the artistic events by the then Commercial Credit Bank.

Ever evolving style

Eurydice Costopoulos painted incessantly and her style evolved over time. Initially, she focused on:

• Landscapes and houses.
• Compositions with human figures.
• Women at work.
• Still life with flowers and tools.

Later on she mainly painted landscapes from Hydra, Mytilene and Molyvos, Kavouri, the Cyclades, Dafni and Athens.

Her initial output is marked by cautiousness. However, the more she dedicated herself to nature, the more her gaze changed, gradually revealing her artistic capabilities and boosting her self-confidence in her work.

An individual style

The painter opted for smaller dimensions and had a preference for hardboard, meaning durable surfaces, suggesting that she most likely painted outdoors.

Eurydice Costopoulos’ works followed an expressionistic style, and drawing was absent. She also focused greatly on colours. Her strokes defined her entire work and added power. At times she would leave the outline of the hardboard surface empty, completing the composition with the reverse side of her brush.