The Louvre Celebrates Franco-Greek Friendship with Bicentennial Exhibit

From 30 September, 2021 to 7 February, 2022, “Paris – Athens: The Birth of Modern Greece, 1675-1919,” will feature art from across Greek history and celebrate the bond between the two nations.

The Mission

As the Ancient Greeks inspired the French, so did France help shape Modern Greece. Visitors will see this exchange of ideas play out in the objects on display in this exhibit. Organized by era, the pieces will lead visitors from past to present, following the two nations as they push each other forwards.

From Athens…

Dancers of Delphi
Part of a column from the Sanctuary of Apollo

Lidded Pyxis, Middle Geometric Period
Ancient Greek women used these colorful jars to store jewelry and makeup

The Spider, 1884
A painting by Nikolaos Gyzis, a pioneer 19th century Greek art

The Booty, 1906
A painting by Theodoros Rallis. He used French techniques to paint scenes from the Greek Revolution.

The pieces on display represent the best of Greek artistry from ancient times to the twentieth century. On clay, canvas, and camera, each one captures the spirit of the Greek people. As visitors go through the exhibit, they will see that spirit evolve, but also learn that its core is eternal.

…to Paris

Parthenon Northwest Front, c. 1680
One of the many sketches Jacques Carrey made of the Parthenon

Wounded Greek Officer, 1826
A painting by Jean-Claude Bonnefond of an injured Greek Revolutionary

Greek Girl on the Tomb of Botzaris
A sculpture by David Pierre-Jean. It sits on the tomb of Marcos Botzaris, a hero of the Greek Revolution.

Temple of Hadrian, the Acropolis
A photograph by Alfred-Nicholas Normand.

Among the many Greek pieces, there is also French art. Much of it documents the beauty of Greece through sketches and pictures of its past. However, some try to recreate that beauty, taking ancient styles and making them their own. These pieces are both tributes to Ancient Greek culture and guides that helped modern Greeks revive it.