“The Burial of Palamas”

Vassiliou creates the work in imitation of El Greco’s Burial of Count Orgath. The composition is divided into two equal parts, about the middle of the work, with the lower part referring to the historical event and the upper part describing the reception of Palamas, dressed in a cassock and robe, by angels in the pantheon of heroes and people of the spirit of Greece. In the center sits Apollo with the lyre, flanked by significant figures from Greek history. To the right of Apollo are ancient and biblical figures, while to the left are figures with clothing that refers to the era of the Turkish rule and later. In the center of this ensemble, Solomon can be seen, wearing a black full-length garment and his right hand reaching to the heart. At the bottom, a figure on the right holds a plaque with her right hand, on which is a cross and the inscription kz (27) February 1943, and with her left hand points towards it, inviting the viewer to read the inscription. He thus makes known the exact date of the event (death of Palamas). Right next to the coffin of the poet, which on the other side is accompanied by representatives of the church who hold the symbols of Christianity. A woman bends down and worships, while the crowd participating in the procession is large. The faces resemble masks. The allegorical composition is more luminous.