The arts in Greek lands under Venetian rule, during the period from 15th to 17th centuries, is the topic of a lecture Dr Alfred Vincent will present on Thursday 30 June, as a part of the Greek History and Culture Seminars, at the Greek Centre.

After the seizure of Constantinople by the Fourth Crusade in 1204, parts of the Greek world came under Venetian rule for varying periods. They include Crete (1211-1669), Cyprus (1489-1571) and the Ionian Islands from various dates until the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797. Venetian rule could be extremely harsh, but it could also provide opportunities for trade, education and artistic creativity.

Greeks from Venetian-ruled territories made a distinctive cultural contribution to both Greece and Western Europe. After a brief historical introduction we will sample their work in scholarship, art, music and literature, discussing its significance in the context of early modern Greek and western culture. The talk will be illustrated by coloured slides and notes, and by recorded musical examples.

Alfred has a degree in Classics, a PhD on a Modern Greek topic, and an honorary doctorate (2002) from the University of Crete. In 1973 he was appointed to introduce Modern Greek studies at the University of Sydney, where he taught until 1998 and is now an honorary affiliate. Much of his research has been on the society and culture of Venetian Crete; he has worked extensively on primary sources as a guest of the Hellenic Institute in Venice.

His recent publications include an edition, with introduction, of the Cretan narrative poem The Shepherdess (Η Βοσκοπούλα, c. 1600 AD), published in Greek at the University of Thessaloniki (2016). Other interests include Greek music (ancient and modern), humour and comedy, and Greek writers in the Romanian lands. He has been a founding member and secretary of the Sydney branch of the International Society of Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis. He has contributed to the Greek Festival of Sydney for many years, giving talks and co-ordinating concerts and other events.

When: Thursday, 30 June 2016, 7:00pm
Where: Greek Centre (Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne)
Entry: Free