“Antiquarianism and Philhellenism”

In 2021, an anniversary year, Thanasis and Marina Martinos were inspired to share their unique Philhellenic Collection with the art-loving public. In collaboration with Professor Nikos Stampolidis, Director of the Museum of Cycladic Art, where the exhibition was presented, we focused on one of the most significant aspects of Philhellenism—antiquarianism. The theme was developed through selected works from the Martinos Collection alongside authentic antiquities of related subject matter, allowing the exhibition to stimulate a dialogue between ancient and modern Greece.
Antiquarianism and Philhellenism are closely intertwined movements, since the enduring vitality of ancient Greek heritage formed the core of European Philhellenism, while at the same time helping to shape the identity of the modern Greek state.

The exhibits—paintings and sculptures with classical-inspired forms created by some of the most prominent European artists of the 19th century, rare pieces of furniture with painted surfaces, monumental ship figureheads, and precious works of decorative art such as gilded mantel clocks, fine porcelains, elegant fans, and intricate embroideries from the Thanasis and Marina Martinos Collection—coexisted harmoniously with authentic representations of ancient gods and heroes from major archaeological museums in Greece and Italy. Together they invited visitors into a vivid dialogue between the ancient originals and their Philhellenic reinterpretations.
Staged within an imaginative exhibition environment created by the renowned scenographer Chloe Obolensky in collaboration with the painter Andreas Georgiadis, the exhibition offered visitors a truly unique experience.
The richly illustrated 450-page catalogue is authored by the exhibition’s co-curators, Nikos Stampolidis and Dr. Fani-Maria Tsigakou.