The ATHENIAN Trilogy
The Academy C e l e b r at i n g E x c e l l e n c e
A
s I stand on the threshold of the Academy of Athens, regarded by many Greek and foreign experts as one of the most beautiful neoclassical buildings in the world, I realize that none of these buildings would be standing here were it not for the generous donations of members of the Greek diaspora. Simon Sinas, the building’s benefactor, assigned Theophil Hansen – brother of the architect who designed the University – to its construction, which was completed in 1887. Inspired by the Propylaea of the Acropolis, Hansen’s Academy was the result of the efforts and talents of many artists, including those of architect Ernst Ziller, a student of Hansen’s; sculptor Leonidas Drosis, responsible for the pediment above the entrance and for the statues of Athena and Apollo on the flanking pillars; and Christian Griepenkerl, who painted the building’s hidden treasure, the pictorial ensemble in the Meeting Hall, which is where I’m headed. Near the main entrance, I encoun-
ter the marble statue of the Academy’s benefactor, Simon Sinas, standing guard. Straight ahead is the meeting hall, the most fascinating room in the building, which accommodates the plenary sessions of the Academy members and is home to some great works of art. The 50m-long colorful mural, based on designs by Theophil Hansen and inspired by Aeschylus’ tragedy Prometheus Bound, depicts the Passions of Prometheus and reads like a story, starting with the prophecy regarding the theft of fire by Prometheus and ending with his reception by the gods on Mount Olympus. Apart from its artistic qualities, what’s striking about Hansen’s mural is the choice of theme, centered on the authority-defying Prometheus who brings fire, a symbol of knowledge, to the people. No doubt this symbolism mirrored the beliefs of the Academy’s first visionaries, who held that national independence from any sort of oppression had to go hand in hand with a spiritual renaissance through knowledge.
The Meeting Hall of the Academy of Athens, with the masterful pictorial ensemble by German-born artist Christian Griepenkerl.
One of four ornate marble lamp-holders that decorate the meeting hall.
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