EXHIBITION

from 10/12/2020 until 05/04/2021

‘Antiquarianism and Philhellenism. The Thanassis and Marina Martinos Collection’

Exhibition includes important European artworks of the nineteenth century and Greek Neoclassicism in dialogue with ancient masterpieces,

The Museum of Cycladic Art will host from 10 December 2020 until 5 April 2021, in the Stathatos Mansion, the exhibition ‘Antiquarianism and Philhellenism. The Thanasis and Marina Martinos Collection’. This rare and original exhibition, which includes important European artworks (oil paintings and sculptures) of the nineteenth century and Greek Neoclassicism in dialogue with ancient masterpieces, is curated by Art Historian Fani Maria Tsigakou and Professor N. Chr. Stampolidis. 

The exhibits have been selected from the Thanasis and Marina Martinos Collection, a unique Philhellenic Gallery of objets d’art and chefs d’oeuvre, which are exhibited to the public for the first time. These are European, philhellenic artistic creations, as well as works by Greek artists inspired by subjects from antiquity, which are presented alongside important antiquities from major museums in Italy and Greece. 

Aim of the exhibition is to enhance the antiquarian aspects of the philhellenic movement, before, during and after the Revolution of 1821. Antiquarianism was the Europeans’ most enduring link with Greece. As the Revolution progressed, it was transformed into philhellenism and was imprinted visually in European works of art. After the founding of the Greek State, it was adopted by Greek Neoclassical artists intent on demonstrating the unbroken continuity of the ancient Hellenic heritage. 

In the exhibition ancient masterpieces will converse with their Neoclassical versions, within a staged environment. Visitors will enjoy a theatrical experience as the Stathatos Mansion, an emblematic example of Greek Neoclassical architecture, will be transmuted into the interior of a nineteenth-century haute bourgeoise European residence, the set designed by Chloe Obolensky and Andreas Georgiadis. 

1/3 Greeks Fighting Among Ancient Ruins, 1829, Peter Heinrich Lambert von Hess (1792 - 1871), Oil on canvas, 33 cm x 27 cm, Thanassis and Marina Martinos Collection
2/3 Greek Woman, 1873, Charles Henri Joseph Cordier (1827 - 1905), Bronze, gilded, silvered and enamelled, H. 75 cm, L. 45 cm, D. of base 21 cm, Thanassis and Marina Martinos Collection
3/3 The Greek of 1821, 1855, Georgios Fytalis (1830 - 1880), Marble, H. 72 cm, L. 57 cm, W. 38 cm, Thanassis and Marina Martinos Collection

The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Sport, with sponsorship from the ‘Aegeas’ Non-Profit Civil Company for Culture and Social Welfare.

CURATED BY

Fani Maria Tsigakou, Art Historian
Professor N. Chr. Stampolidis, Director of Museum of Cycladic Art

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