Stout Seated Woman, 1948

Michalis Tombros was a leader in disseminating avant-garde European currents in Greek art. He lived and worked in Paris from 1925 to 1928, yet he had visited the French capital three times already. This three-year stay in the French capital was decisive in shaping his enterprise. The influence of Rodin’s descendents is recognized in many female figures that were created during that period. The “Stout Seated Woman” is a characteristic example. A woman with ample curves does not represent the physical ideal, but adheres to the prototype of similar figures by Aristide Maillol. The views of the French artist on the modeling of the female nude were decisive for both Tombros and other Greek sculptors as well. Thus the figure, with an expression of anticipation and forbearance is conveyed in a closed, compact form with robust curves and a clean outline. Without becoming consumed in descriptive details, the artist shapes large, clear volumes with no voids, creating a solid piece that imposes itself on the space with its stillness and calm.