Private Collection, Athens
The port of Volos in central Greece, together with the principal port of Piraeus, attracted the artistic attentions of Volonakis. A scene by daylight of the same subject belongs in the collection of the National Gallery of Athens.
The theme of a port in a painting is an interesting one in that it allows the artist the possibility to combine his interest in the sea together with his desire to render an intimate account of its people and their daily activities. Ships come and go, people are preparing to travel with their relatives or to bid them farewell. There are others who are selling goods and some are just strolling. There exist contradictory feelings and sudden changes of mood.
Some vessels are anchored, a fisherman holds his nets, a shoe-shiner boy is sitting on the pavement, and others enjoy their walk on the beach while a horse and carriage approaches the viewer in the foreground. There is a dim candlelight emanating from some of the houses, the street lanterns are not on, due to the luminous full moon.
The scenery recalls postcards of the 19th century; well-known features of the town are being commemorated, such as the Thessalian railway, one of the first in Greece, which was constructed in 1881 by an Italian company in charge of which was Evaristo de Chirico, father of Giorgio de Chirico.
The major role is played by the moon which appeals to our emotions and romantic feelings. How it protrudes through the clouds, its reflection on the calm sea and its impact on the harbour and on the mood of the people! Everything is quiet, and that is how it should be. The established technique of the Munich Academy is visible; the port lies to the left hand side of the painting, the perspective creates a vast horizon, accentuating the romantic mood. It is an introverted, nostalgic work of art. Despite the fact that it follows the rules of the Munich Academy in its lyricism, perspective and good proportions, the nightlight makes these elements less prominent and gives an impression of freedom, a poetry of nature.