early life and influences nikolaos tzafouris, a renowned greek painter, was born in crete in 1450. he was part of the cretan school of painting, which was heavily influenced by the venetian style. tzafouris' work is characterized by the maniera greca style, a unique blend of italian and greek byzantine prototypes. notable works and style tzafouris' most notable works include christ bearing the cross, which is now part of the collection at the metropolitan museum of art in new york. this painting, dated between 1487-1501, showcases tzafouris' attempt to escape the typical flattened surface pre…