Object ID
F2013.55
Object Name
Photograph
Date Created
1920 – 1940
Object Entities
hadrian, (is related to)
Object Description
Black and white photo of the Arch of Hadrian in Athens with a white (now yellowed matte) and a black frame. The arch is the center and the focus of the photograph. The arch itself has two levels, the bottom level has a singles arched passage way flanked by stone pilasters. The space between the arch and these bookending pilasters is filled with smooth rectangular stones. The top level is composed of columns and pilasters that divide the upper register into three rectangualr spaces. Over the middle of these spaces, resting on the columns, is a triangular pediment.

Just under the rounded arch, the Parthenon is barely visible on the Akropolis. On the road behind the arch there is a car holding people in it with one man outside the vehicle interacting with the driver and passenger. Behind these figures a couple of buildings are visible in the background.
Origin
The Arch of Hadrian is a gateway that spans the ancient road into Athens. The arch was built to celebrate the Emperor Hadrian's visit to the city and as a monument to his patronage. On the side facing the Akropolis an inscription reads "This is Athens the ancient city of Theseus" on the other side an inscription reads "This is the city of Hadrian, and not of Theseus." Since Hadrian donated a significant amount of money and new buildings to the city he was being labeled as the refounder of Athens. The arch was designating a new chapter in the city's history.

The car in the background indicates the date of the photo was probably sometime from the 1920's to the 1940's.
Rights and Reproduction
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Citation
Photograph, 1920 – 1940, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/4634. Accessed 04/26/24.