Holy Icon

"The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane", 2018

"The Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane," an acrylic wall painting by Father Stamatis Skliris created in 2018, is a profound reinterpretation of El Greco's iconic work. Father Stamatis was initially requested to make a faithful replica of the original. However, as he approached the task—by his admission for the first time to replicate an artwork as closely as possible—he introduced his transcendent vision.

Unlike the stark hopelessness conveyed in El Greco's portrayal of Christ, Stamatis illuminated the figure with a subtle radiance that transcends the agony. The lighting on Christ’s face exudes a quiet hope and serenity, suggesting a dimension beyond suffering. The vibrant yet harmonious color palette further contributes to this sense of transcendence, creating an atmosphere imbued with spiritual elevation.

Executed on a large canvas, this painting stands out as a unique piece within Stamatis Skliris' body of work—a replication that is, paradoxically, not a replication. It captures the essence of the original while offering a new perspective that breathes life and light into the scene, rendering it both a tribute and an independent masterpiece.

> El Greco