Environs of Larissa

Photiadis was a multi-faceted figure, with many interests and concerns, who, after his first lessons in painting with Odysseas Phokas, travelled to Western Europe and visited some of the more important museums. Finally, in 1924, he settled in Paris, where he was acquainted with the great French painters Matisse, Vuillard, and Derain, while he received lessons in engraving from Dimitrios Galanis. He also worked as a cartoonist, contributing for many years to French magazines; he also wrote poetry and prose. In the varied subject-matter of his painting (portraits, nudes, landscapes, still lifes) features of French plein air painting, as well as influences from the artists with whom he kept company at various times are discernible.