Kites in Hydra
Painting
Cubism
1937
Modern
270.0 x 215.0 cm
Benaki Museum of Greek Civilization
Giclée / Art Print
Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. ( Buy Hand Made Painting
Buy Image)
P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8
Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.
You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the image with a mirrored or solid-fill edge. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.
Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (17 August)
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
High-Quality Linen Canvas
Full Shipping Insurance
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
True Color Matching Guarantee
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Bulk Discount Offer
Kites in Hydra
Giclée / Art Print
Reproduction Size
-
Total Price
$ 63
Collectible Description
A Symphony of Geometry and Sky
In the breathtaking masterpiece Kites in Hydra, created in 1937, Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika invites the viewer into a dreamscape where the rugged topography of the Greek islands meets the avant-garde spirit of Cubism. The canvas unfolds as a rhythmic dance of shapes, where the sky is not merely an empty void but a structured playground for geometric exploration. At the heart of this composition, kites composed of circles and triangles drift through a mountainous landscape, their forms echoing the jagged peaks and rolling hills below. This interplay between the celestial and the terrestrial creates a profound sense of equilibrium, as if the very air of Hydra is woven from the same mathematical elegance as the earth itself.
The artist’s technique reveals a masterful command over abstraction, blending the organic essence of the Greek landscape with a rigorous, structured aesthetic. Through a sophisticated use of overlapping planes and fragmented forms, Ghika deconstructs the traditional landscape into a mosaic of light and shadow. The larger kite, positioned toward the upper right, acts as a focal point that anchors the eye, while the smaller kites scattered across the left side provide a sense of depth and movement. This layering technique does more than just depict distance; it creates a multidimensional experience where the viewer is pulled into the rhythmic pulse of the composition, feeling the gentle breeze that carries these colorful shapes across the Aegean horizon.
The Legacy of a Greek Modernist
To understand the emotional resonance of Kites in Hydra, one must look to the historical context of its creator. Born in Athens and deeply influenced by the vibrant artistic currents of Paris, Hadjikyriakos-Ghika was a bridge between Mediterranean tradition and European modernism. His connection to legends like Picasso brought a certain cosmopolitan sophistication to his work, yet his soul remained tethered to the stark, sun-drenched beauty of Greece. In this painting, we see the culmination of that duality—a work that celebrates the local identity of Hydra through a lens of international abstraction. The kites serve as powerful symbols of freedom and lightness, contrasting beautifully with the heavy, permanent presence of the mountains.
For the discerning collector or interior designer, this piece offers an unparalleled opportunity to introduce a sense of intellectual depth and serene movement into a space. A high-quality reproduction of this work does not merely decorate a wall; it serves as a window into a moment of pure, geometric harmony. The painting’s ability to evoke both the nostalgia of a summer afternoon and the rigorous beauty of abstract art makes it a versatile centerpiece for any sophisticated collection. It is an invitation to contemplate the balance between structure and spontaneity, making it an enduring inspiration for those who appreciate art that speaks to both the mind and the spirit.
Related Artworks
Artist Biography
**early life and education**
nikos hadjikyriakos-ghika, a renowned greek painter, sculptor, engraver, writer, and academic, was born on february 26, 1906, in athens, greece. his family's legacy in the greek war of independence of 1821 significantly influenced his early life. between 1918-1922, his family recognized his artistic potential, leading to his study under the artist parthenis.**artistic development and exhibitions**
- in 1922, hadjikyriakos-ghika enrolled in a sorbonne university course for french literature and aesthetics, simultaneously attending académie ranson for painting and engraving studies.
- his first exhibition at the société des artistes indépendants (salon des indépendants) in 1923 marked the beginning of his prolific career.
- notably, picasso commented on his work, further solidifying his presence in the french art scene.
**collaborations and teaching**
- in 1934, he shared an exhibition with sculptor michael tombros, significantly impacting the athenian art world.
- between 1936-1937, he collaborated on the periodical "trito mati (the third eye)" with poet papatzonis, architect dimitris pikionis, and theatrical director sokratis karantinos.
- in 1941, he was elected professor of drawing at the national technical university of athens, a position he held until 1958.
**international recognition**
- in 1946, the british council in athens arranged his first retrospective exhibition, featuring 42 paintings.
- in 1949, he formed the "armos" art group with fellow artists yiannis moralis, yannis tsarouchis, nikos nikolaou, and panayiotis tetsis.
- he represented greece at the 25th venice biennale in 1950, exhibiting 17 canvases.
**legacy**
nikos hadjikyriakos-ghika's works are featured in prominent museums worldwide, including:- the national gallery (athens)
- musée d'art moderne de la ville de paris
- tate gallery in london
- metropolitan museum of new york [https://ArtsDot.com/@/nikos hadjikyriakos-ghika](https://ArtsDot.com/@/nikos%20hadjikyriakos-ghika) | 12 artworks nikos hadjikyriakos-ghika | artworks [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/nikos_hadjikyriakos-ghikas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/nikos_hadjikyriakos-ghikas) - wikipedia: nikos hadjikyriakos-ghikas **key works:**
- the first morning of the world, stage design for the dance-drama (benaki museum of greek civilization, athens, greece)
- portrait of ferdinand vii (romanticism, oil) - not by nikos hadjikyriakos-ghika, but a notable example of his contemporaries' work.
- national gallery (athens)
- musée d'art moderne de la ville de paris
- tate gallery in london
- metropolitan museum of new york
**conclusion**
nikos hadjikyriakos-ghika's profound impact on greek art, his pioneering role in cubism, and his extensive international recognition solidify his position as a leading figure in 20th-century art.
nikos hadjikyriakos-ghika
1906 - 1994 , Greece
Quick Facts
- Artistic Movement Or Style: Cubism
- Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Modern Greek painting']
- Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Pablo Picasso']
- Date Of Birth: February 26, 1906
- Date Of Death: 1994
- Full Name: Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika
- Nationality: Greek
- Notable Artworks:
- The Pleasures of Rest
- The Studio in Hydra
- Place Of Birth: Athens, Greece

Glass option is only available in size under 110 CM
