Constantinos Volanakis

Fire fishing is a practice originating in ancient times, consisting of a flaming platform or basket being constructed on a boat's bow, in order to illuminate the fish swimming in the deeper waters at night. The light both illuminates and attracts fish and other sea creatures, enabling fishermen to spear them or capture them in nets.

The present work bears testimony not only to Volanakis's love of ships and the sea, but of the effects of light and atmosphere. The painting is as much an exploration of play of firelight on the boat and figures of the fishermen, set against the velvety backdrop of a quiet night at sea, as it is a marine painting in the traditional sense. In illustrating this subject Volanakis indicates his knowledge of the traditional and time-honoured techniques of Greek fishermen, while rendering homage with his respectful and atmospheric portrayal.

Volanakis may be regarded as the founding father of Greek marine painting. Trained in the academic tradition under Karl von Piloty in Munich, Volanakis was an inspiration to many of the younger generation of Greek artists, among them Ioannis Altamura. He became a renowned teacher after his return to Greece in 1883, becoming Professor at the Athens School of Fine Arts.