Andreas Ritzos

Biography

Andreas Ritzos was born in Iraklio. His father Nicholas Ritzo was a seaman and jeweler, and his mother was lady Ergina. Andreas married Maria and had two sons. His son Nicholas was a painter. His other son Thomas was a jeweler and painter. His grandson was painter Maneas Ritzos.

Andreas is listed as a painter for the first time on July 27, 1451 as Andreas Ritzos pinctor. Records indicate that in 1454 his co-worker Maneas Theologitis vouched for him. Documents indicate he was active as a painter between 1460 and 1492. He was also associated with other painters namely George Pelergi and Ioanni Kappadoka. In one document he testifies to the delivery of items from John Akatanos and in another, he received a loan from Andreas Pavias. His wife Maria died around 1482. He split the inheritance with his son Nicholas. His second marriage was with Nicola Gritti of Agnese. He signed his paintings three different ways; five of his icons were signed in Greek χείρ Ανδρέα Ρέτζου, three were signed Andreas Rico de Candia pinxit, and finally one was signed Andreas Ricio de Candia.

A significant amount of Madonna and Child paintings by Andreas Ritzos survived. Many painters chose the subject matter but Duccio, Cimabue, Fra Angelico, and Giotto di Bondone employed a similar mannerism exemplifying the maniera greca. Most artists of the Cretan school began to employ some attributes of the Venetian school. One greek artist of Venice Ioannis Permeniates completely adopted a new style of painting which was in line with the Venetian school.

Ritzos popularity shows that both Italian and Greek patrons continued to value the maniera greca and preferred the traditional style. Many paintings were attributed to the school of Ritzos because they were not signed and resemble the artist's painting style. There were countless Madonna and Child paintings for comparison. Angelos Akotantos influenced Andreas Pavias and Andreas Ritzos. Andreas Pavias and Ritzos influenced each other both employ the traditional rich gold background but Pavias began to employ the Venetian school.

The Virgin and Child with Crucifixion Narrative and the Ascension of Christ in the gallery are precursors to Georgios Klontzas and Theodore Poulakis All Creation rejoices in Thee. Andreas Pavias Crucifixion of Jesus is another popular work that influenced Georgios Klontzas and Theodore Poulakis All Creation rejoices in Thee. Ritzos Ascension of Christ separates the scenes into different compartments while Andreas Pavias Crucifixion of Jesus utilizes countless figures. Georgios Klontzas Transfiguration and Monastic Scenes 1603, is similar to Ritzos Acension of Christ.

Gallery

File:Dormition of Theotokos Andreas Ritzos.jpg|The Dormition of the Virgin File:Virgin of the Passion, by Andrea Rico di Candia, Cretan, 1451-1492, tempera on wood panel - Princeton University Art Museum - DSC06640.jpg|Mother and Child File:Andreas Ritzos - The Mother of God Enthroned - WGA19509.jpg|The Mother of God Enthroned File:Andreas Ritzos - Mother of God Enthroned - WGA19510.jpg|The Mother of God Enthroned File:Ritzos Andreas - The Virgin and Child enthroned - Google Art Project (721008).jpg|The Virgin and Child with Crucifixion Narrative File:Andreas Ritzos - The Dormition of the Virgin - WGA19508.jpg|The Dormition of the Virgin File:Ritzos Andreas - The Virgin and Child enthroned - Google Art Project.jpg|Triptych Left to Right, Saint Nicholas with Saints, Virgin and Child, Saint Nicholas with Saints File:Jesus Hominum Salvator by Andreas Ritzos (Byzantine museum).jpg|Crucifixion and Resurrection Scenes within a Christogram File:Andreas Ritzos - Icon- Ascension of Christ with the Hetoimasia - Google Art Project.jpg|Ascension of Christ File:St. John the Theologian (3443916347).jpg|Saint John the Theologian File:Ritzos Andreas - Two scenes from the life of St John the Divine - Google Art Project.jpg|Scene from the Life of St John the Divine

Italian Style

File:Dormition of Mary with Francis and Dominic (School of Andreas Ritzos, 15 c.) 01.jpg|Dormition of Mary with Francis and Dominic File:Madonna con Bambino in trono by Andreos Ritzos - Hermitage.jpg|Madonna with Saints

References

References

1. [http://www.ebyzantinemuseum.gr/?i=bxm.en.exhibit&id=54 Jesus Hominum Salvator] Byzantine and Christian Virtual Museum. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
2. [http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/press/exh/3514.html Art of Byzantium from Greek Collections] National Gallery of Art. 1 May 2013. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
3. Stathi, Maria G.. (2007). "The Painters of Crete School of the 15th century Andreas and Nikolaos Ritzos". Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
4. Speake, Graham. (2021). "''Renaissance, Veneto-Cretan'' Encyclopedia of Greece and the Hellenic Tradition". Rutledge Taylor & Francis Group.
5. (1997). "Greek painters after the fall (1450-1830) Volume B". Center for Modern Greek Studies E.I.E..
6. [[#core. Stathi, 2007]], p. 18-21
7. [[#core. Stathi, 2007]], p. 18-21