Object ID
2015.20.1
Object Name
Painting
Measurements
115.57 cm. W x 83.82 cm. L, Item (Overall)115.57 cm. W x 83.82 cm. L Dark brown wood, about three inches wide and three quarters of an inch thick. 45.500 x 33.000, Frames
Object Description
A painting of a Greek monastery. The monastery is painted in various shades of grey, brown, and beige. The roofs of several of the building are painted a chestnut color. The rocky area in front of the monastery are painted in similar colors. At the back of the monastery are three towers, two on the left and one on the right, with arched windows. Several of the buildings in front also have windows. There is a tower that seems to jut out from the rest of the buildings, sitting in the rocky area. There appears to be at least one staircase going up through the rocks. The rocks are painted in a somewhat geometric, abstract style. The space behind the monastery is painted blue, possible representing ocean or a mountain range. Above this is a white sky.
The bottom write contains the text "165/240" followed by a signature in Greek.
Origin
This painting of a Greek monastery was donated by Elaine Paterakis. The monastery in the painting is one of the Meteora monasteries. The Meteora is a complex of six Greek Orthodox monasteries built on sandstone pillars in northwestern Thessaly. Meteora means "middle of the sky" or "suspended in the air". This particular painting is likely of the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron.
It is unclear if this is an original painting or a print. The signature could not be read by a native Greek speaker. It is possible that it was written by an English speaker attempting to write his or her name in Greek.
Rights and Reproduction
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Citation
Painting, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/10929. Accessed 04/25/24.