1927-1938
In 1930, his niece, Eirini Chalepas, encouraged him to move to her house at 35 Dafnomili Street in Neapoli, Athens. The brilliant sculptor worked intensely in Athens. His favorite themes were 'Medea', 'Satyr and Eros', and 'The Fairy Tale of Beauty'. He was by then a recognized figure in the arts.
On August 27, 1930, he decided to visit his 'Sleeping Girl' sculpture. An unexpected crowd from all over Athens gathered at the entrance and courtyard of the First Cemetery, to the extent that police intervention was required for the artist to reach the site. Fifty-two years after its creation, Chalepas would encounter his legendary work. The encounter was emotionally charged, and his internal turmoil was evident.
On their return from the cemetery, his niece asked if the rumors were true that he had loved Sophia Afentaki. He replied that he had only loved Marigo, a pure and deep love affair. Ultimately, she married someone else – her father and some relatives played a decisive role in that.
He stayed at 35 Dafnomili Street for the last eight years of his life. His hands began to tremble, and the signs of old age and fatigue were evident. A hemiplegia paralyzed his right hand. On September 15, 1938, Yannoulis Chalepas passed away, surrounded by his loved ones.
In total, about 150 of his works survive to this day, including sculptures as well as many drawings and sketches.
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