27 June 2025

The June sale confirmed that discerning collectors continue to view Cypriot and regional art not only as cultural assets but also as vehicles of resilient value — with price points that are increasingly seen as entry windows to future gains.

Market Highlights – June 18 Auction at a Glance

Artist	Work	Estimate (€)	Final Price (€)	Market Insight
Michael Kashalos	Theophania	25,000–40,000	56,439	New record price for Cyprus’s most renowned naïf painter
Spyros Vassiliou	Strymon	10,000–15,000	31,355	Among the artist’s top auction results — strong European-level recognition
Spyros Vassiliou	Dafnos	7,000–12,000	18,813	Signals rising demand for works in the River Series
Jean Altamoura	The Port of Copenhagen	35,000- 55,000	42,497	Metaphysical lyricism meets historic value – an evergreen choice

*The Port of Copenhagen,* Jean Altamoura

With a curated selection of rare works and standout results, Cypria Auctions’ June 18th event in Nicosia delivered both emotional resonance and commercial strength, affirming its growing influence beyond national borders. Among the works that captivated bidders was Jean Altamoura’s luminous oil painting ‘The Port of Copenhagen,’ which sold for €42,497. Altamoura, often described as a painter of atmosphere and metaphysical subtlety, remains one of the most compelling figures of 19th-century Greek art. Rarely appearing at auction, his works continue to attract discerning collectors — and Cypria’s spotlight on this painting affirmed its long-term market resonance.

Michael Kashalos’ ‘Theofaneia’ achieved a notable result of €56,439, marking what appears to be a record-breaking price for Cyprus’s most celebrated naïve artist. A poignant work rooted in the everyday rituals of Cypriot life, it embodies the layered memory of an island and an artist whose legacy, interrupted by war, continues to rise in significance. Kashalos, who was killed during the 1974 invasion of Cyprus at the age of 89, is increasingly recognized for his storytelling power and cultural significance.

Spyros Vassiliou’s works stood out for both their scale and performance. ‘Strymon,’ from his celebrated river series, sold for a final price of €31,355 — a near-record result that signals growing interest in the artist’s large-format compositions. ‘Dafnos,’ another work from the same series, achieved €18,813. These results place Cypria at the forefront of a renewed appreciation for Greek 20^th century artists, catalyzing interest where the secondary market had long remained muted.

The auction opened with a minute of silence in memory of Michalis Constantinou, Head of Cypria’s Athens office and a dedicated collaborator of over two decades. His sudden loss was deeply felt by the Cypria family and broader community. As Ritsa Kyriakou, Director of Cypria Auctions, shared: “This auction was about more than results — it was a reaffirmation of our vision, our commitment to artists past and present, and a tribute to those who have shaped our journey. Michalis was one of them. We carry him forward with every step.”