Yiannis Nomikos (Greek, b. 1949). Homoerotic gesso and egg tempera painting on duck/goose egg, 1976. Hand signed and dated by the artist. A homoerotic scene presenting an orgy involving five nude Greek or Roman warriors (two only wearing helmets and one only wearing a cuirass) engaged in explicit sex acts with each other as well as several mysterious phallic entities, all skillfully hand-painted via the red-figure technique on a duck or goose egg by Greek artist Yiannis Nomikos. Decorative bands inspired by classical motifs adorn the top and bottom of the egg. Born in Athens, Nomikos learned ancient vase painting techniques as a youth. When he moved to New York City in 1974, Nomikos introduced his love of antiquity to an appreciative contemporary audience. Size: 3.875" L x 2.5" diameter (9.8 cm x 6.4 cm)

About the artist: "Yiannis Nomikos was born in Athens in 1949. As it's stated on his website, from the age of 13 to 23, Nomikos received his initial art training, working on Greek vases for which he applied ancient techniques. In 1974, he relocated to New York and, two years later, started attending the Art Students League in Manhattan. With the help of his mentor Jack Fragasso, Nomikos studied perspective drawing and traditional oil techniques, this way, remaining faithful to classical art. Yet a passion for antiquity was complemented by the artist's genuine interest in modern life. Since 1979, Nomikos, captivated by the life of a metropolis, has been drawing urban settings. In his Instagram account, you can find many sketches of people in the subway, besides nude studies and mythological scenes." (Source: "The Adult Easter Art of Greek Painter Yiannis Nomikos" Shunga Gallery Erotic Art Magazine, 10/12/23)

See a similar painted egg by Yiannis Nomikos is in the collection of the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art.

Provenance: private British Columbia, Canada collection, gifted from aunt in Tucson, Arizona, USA, acquired prior to 1994

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#182738

Hand signed and dated by the artist. Also inscribed "Exekias" after the Greek vase painter. Tiny hole at one end of egg. Otherwise, egg is intact and egg-cellent.