Object ID
2008.37.17
Object Name
Block, Printing
Material
Lead; Wood
Object Entities
Damianos, John (is related to)
Object Description
Wood and cast lead printing block. A large portion of the print image is of rays of light radiating from a central source. At the center of the radiating lines is an equal-armed cross with crossed swords, pointing down, behind and enclosed in a wreath of olive branches. At the top of the wreath of olive branches is a eagle with wings spread.
Origin
Donated by John Damianos. The printing block was used in a linotype printing machine. Linotype presses allowed for the casting of entire lines to be printed at a time. Linotype printing was eventually succeeded by lithograph printing and computer typesetting during the 1960's and 1970's. This printing block was used by the Chicago-based, The Greek Art Printing Company. The image on this printing block is an altered emblem of AHEPA. The image was used for the printing of Certificates of Commendation for the AHEPA District #13, which is the Midwest District. AHEPA is a Greek organization committed to promoting Hellenism, education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, and individual & family excellence. The eagle symbolizes strength, courage, farsightedness, and immortality. The equal-armed cross is a symbol of the Greek Orthodox Church and early Christianity. Crossed swords pointing downward are a symbol that the fight is over. Olive branches symbolize peace. The image of the rising sun symbolizes intellect and new beginnings.
Rights and Reproduction
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Citation
Block, Printing, Greek Art Printing Company Artifact Collection, National Hellenic Museum, https://collections.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/Detail/objects/9790. Accessed 03/29/24.