An interesting exhibition is currently running at the B. & M. Theocharakis Foundation, in Athens, focusing on Philhellenism, the European trend of sympathy for the struggling Greece during its war of Independence, as its was expressed through art.

When the Greeks decided to throw off the yoke of Turkish tyranny in 1821, sympathy from Europeans peaked. Hundreds of intellectuals and ordinary people rushed to contribute to the struggle of the Greeks, with their pen, their swords and their financial aid.

One of the most important manifestations of sympathy to the Greek people was the artistic creation in all its forms: poetry, drama, music and especially painting and other visual arts.

This expression is presented through the works of European painters of the 19th century, as well as decorative and every day objects (dishes, clocks, statues, bottles for perfumes, crockery, candlesticks, medals, etc.) in a variety of themes, colors and semi-precious materials, which are the unimpeachable witnesses of Greek struggle for freedom.

Exhibition curator: Fani – Maria Tsigkakou 

Duration: 24 February 2015 to 3 May 2015

Location:  B. & M. Theocharakis Foundation