The island of Crete is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and fascinating history, making it a beloved and popular destination among tourists and locals alike. The history of Crete holds great importance in the evolution of the island’s artistic culture. Over the years, it has served as a source of inspiration for many artists, who have created remarkable works of art that have stood the test of time. But, in which areas Cretan arts have evolved and how did it influence the island’s cultural impact?
The Ceramic Art
The Minoan period greatly affected Cretan arts, leaving a significant imprint on the artistic culture. Ceramic art, which emerged during this era, had a primary function as storage for food. The locals used soil and water to make clay jars, vases, amphorae and cups of various sizes, whether it was for large quantities of grain or simple daily use. These containers were decorated with fancy and impressive colors similar to the ones found in the murals of the Minoan period. Designs featuring spirals, leaves, propellers, and fish were inspired by the Bronze Age and are still used today to decorate sculptures. The art of pottery has been preserved by the Cretans and is still practiced and loved today. In various regions of Crete, you can find numerous exhibitions of handmade sculptures, which are primarily used for home decoration in modern times.
The Art of Hagiography
The era following the fall of the Roman Empire, known as the Byzantine era, has had a lasting impact on Greek culture and religion. One of the most iconic art forms of this era is hagiography, which is the depiction of Christian saints in religious icons. These icons are found in every Byzantine church, covering the walls and the ceiling. Hagiography began with the early believers of Christianity and continues to be practiced and taught around the globe as a unique and characteristic painting technique. The island of Crete is known for its traditional villages, each of which has many Byzantine churches. Iconography workshops are common here, and icons of saints are available for sale. It is a common practice among believers on the island to have a collection of icons of saints, known as an iconostasis, inside their homes. They usually keep a candle lit permanently as a sign of respect and believe that it ensures the protection and watchful eye of God over their family.
The Art of Painting
The painting art has even more influences from the island of Crete. During the Renaissance, the great painter and sculptor Domenikos Theotokopoulos was born in Heraklion, Crete, who grew up in Spain and was given the nickname El Greco, i.e. the Greek, by which he became known. In Spain, he was taught Byzantine art and his works were recognized long after his death, marking him as one of the greatest visual artists of all time. He influenced many forms of modern art, not only in the field of painting but also in cinema. Some of his works today are of untold value and two of them you can enjoy at the Historical Museum of Crete.
The Art of Music
Music is an integral part of Cretan culture, and it is closely associated with traditional musical instruments like the lyra, and traditional dances that are performed at every traditional Cretan festival. Many Cretan artists are well-known instrumentalists on the island, and they follow their passion professionally. You can listen to their music at every traditional festival that takes place on the island throughout the year, while enjoying food and drinks.
Despite the passage of time, Cretan arts remain highly esteemed and valued throughout the world, with minor variations but mostly unchanged. What is your preferred art form to explore while visiting Crete?