Artwork

Ο ναός του Ολυμπίου Διός από την Ακρόπολη, 1937/38

Ο ναός του Ολυμπίου Διός από την Ακρόπολη, 1937/38, by Elly (Nelly’s) Sougioultzoglou-Seraidari, 1937
Ο ναός του Ολυμπίου Διός από την Ακρόπολη, 1937/38, by Elly (Nelly’s) Sougioultzoglou-Seraidari, 1937

Ο ναός του Ολυμπίου Διός από την Ακρόπολη, 1937/38 is a photography by Elly (Nelly’s) Sougioultzoglou-Seraidari. It dates from 1937 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Organisation of Museums of Visual Arts of Thessaloniki – MOMus.

About this work

Overview

Elly Sougioultzoglou-Seraidari's 1937/38 photograph, 'Ο ναός του Ολυμπίου Διός από την Ακρόπολη', captures a serene, uninhabited scene of a small town juxtaposing ancient ruins with modern architecture.

Subject & Meaning

The image focuses on isolated ancient stone columns, likely remnants of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, set amidst a grassy area. Surrounding them is a quiet, populated town with white buildings, hills, and sparse trees, highlighting the contrast between historical legacy and everyday life.

Technique & Style

Shot in black-and-white, the photograph employs a straightforward, documentary approach, emphasizing the subject's natural lighting and textures to convey a sense of timelessness and tranquility.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1937-1938, the photograph is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography, suggesting its value lies in documenting the intersection of ancient and modern Greek life during that period.

Context

The work reflects the photographic trends of its time, which often sought to capture the coexistence of ancient heritage and modern Greek society, particularly in the context of Athens.

Legacy

While not widely known outside specialized circles, the photograph contributes to the archival documentation of Athens' evolution, offering a glimpse into the city's landscape during the late 1930s.

Artist & collection