National Gallery - "Revolution '21 reframed", May 22nd 2021 - June 30th 2022
The National Gallery -Museum of Alexandros Soutsos -Nafplio Branch and the National Historical Museum (Athens) present the exhibition entitled "Revolution '21 reframed", highlighting aspects of the Greek Revolution of 1821, focusing on the events of the Peloponnese.
The themes of the exhibition follow the historical narrative of the central anniversary exhibition of the National Historical Museum. The objects from the collections of the National Historical Museum and the rich archival material, conversing with the paintings of the permanent exhibition of the Nafplio Gallery, illuminate persons and events from the pre-revolutionary period until the arrival of King Otto.
Structure of the exhibition
The exhibition begins with the political, social and ideological context of the time, the situation inside the Ottoman Empire and the preparation of the Greek Revolution. This section also includes the interactive exhibit of the Charter of Greece by Rigas Velestinlis, which highlights the mental preparation of the enslaved Greeks, through the movement of the Modern Greek Enlightenment and its representatives, and answers the question of how a map can become a powerful revolutionary mean for the liberation of a nation. The Oath of the so called "Filiki Eteria" or "Society of Friends" (a secret organization founded in 1814 in Odessa, whose purpose was to overthrow the Ottoman rule of Greece and establish an independent Greek state) through emblematic works of art exhibited, conveys the atmosphere, the pulse and the devotion of those who were dedicated to the preparation of the Revolution.
The beginning of the Revolution follows in Moldavia and in Greece, while the peculiarities of the various regions, where the Revolution prevailed are presented, in relation to their geographical characteristics and economic development. Particular reference is made to the spread of the Struggle in all regions of the Peloponnese and especially the events of Nafplio.
One of the rooms is dedicated to the protagonists of the Revolution, aiming to highlight the different worlds that each one represents and the reasons that united them in a common goal. Among them, the honored person is Theodoros Kolokotronis, whose course was particularly connected with the city of Nafplio.
In a specially designed area downstairs, the contribution of the Press to the strengthening and dissemination of the ideas and events of the Revolution is presented. An interactive exhibit allows the visitor to browse the newspapers of the Revolution "Hellenic Chronicles", "Friend of the Law" as well as the foreign press of the time.
On the building's second floor, unfolds the contribution of the Philhellenic Movement in the reinforcement of the Struggle for independence, as well as the diplomatic policy of the Great Powers for the resolution of the Greek issue. Specifically, the transition from international condemnation to the recognition of the Revolution and to the naval battle of Navarino is presented, which announces the end of the Struggle.
In continuance, the efforts made to create political institutions of the Greek revolutionaries are presented. Reference is also made to the government of Kapodistrias, to developments in the border issue and to the offering of the Greek throne to Otto of Bavaria.
This is followed by the everyday life of the fighters and the civilian population, the break from the battle, the life of the women and children, who, while continuing their family activities, were also distinguished on the battlefield.
In the last room, through emblematic painting compositions of the post-revolutionary period, are presented both the war on land and at sea on the one hand, the establishment of the Greek state on the other hand, as also the fate of the fighters and the effort to form a national identity.
Duration of exhibition
May 22nd 2021, until June 30th 2022
Place
National Gallery, Annex of Nafplio - Alexandros Soutsos Museum
23, Sidiras Merarchias str. Nafplio, Τ. +30 27520 -21915 & -21935
Opening Hours
Monday, Thursday & Saturday: 10.00-15.00
Wednesday & Friday: 10.00-15.00 & 17.00-20.00
Sunday 10.00-14.00
Closed on Tuesday
Entrance
General entrance ticket 3€
Reduced ticket 1,50€
Admission is free on Monday
Did you know that?
The exhibition is curated by Mrs. Lamprini Karakourti-Orfanopoulou on behalf of the National Gallery and Mrs. Dimitra Koukiou-Mitropoulou of the National Historical Museum.
The opening of the exhibition "Revolution '21 reframed: Nafplio" took place at the Annex of the National Gallery in Nafplio, on Saturday afternoon, of May 22nd 2021.
The National History Museum also offers a digital tour of this anniversary exhibition, which illuminates invisible aspects of the Revolution through the stories of 80 items.
The first depicted painting: Kolokotronis heading to Nemea, 1908, of Varveris Nestor (1867-1954), Oil on canvas (50 x 80 cm), Collection of the E. Koutlidis Foundation.
The second depicted painting: Kolokotronis after the battle against the army of Dramalis Pasha. Lithography by Peter von Hess (1852)
Sources
https://www.nationalgallery.gr/el/periodikes-ektheseis/trehouses.html
https://www.nhmuseum.gr/epanacystasi-21/perifereiakes-ektheseis/item/17309-epanacystasi-21-nafplio
