The painter Kosmas Stathis was born in Kythira in 1867 and passed away in Athens in 1958.
He studied painting at the Athens School of Fine Arts under N. Lytras, S. Prosalentis, and K. Volanakis (1887-1892).
He was the first to systematically engage in the art trade in Greece, organizing major exhibitions in Athens and other large Greek cities. He maintained relationships with many painters of his time, was a prominent art collector, and contributed to the creation of the first private art collections.
He painted landscapes and primarily seascapes, focusing on rendering the relationship between the Greek people and the sea, considering these concepts synonymous. He was deeply influenced by the art of V. Chatzis and K. Volanakis, especially in terms of technique. He also systematically engaged in copying works by major Greek painters.
His creations adorn public buildings and are held in private collections. In 1993, his significant art collection, as well as his own works, were donated to the Museum of the City of Athens – Vouros-Eutaxias Foundation.