Busts of Zappeion Garden

What I can see

These marble busts belong to Achilles Paraschos, Ioannis Polemis, Constantine Paparigopoulos, George Souris, Ioannis Kiriakos and Stephanos Dragoumis. Five of them are located in the western and northwestern part of the garden towards Amalias Avenue, while Paraschos’ bust is in the southeastern part, on Vassilissis Olgas Avenue. The bust of Achilles Paraschos shows the poet with his head facing to the left. The sculpture exudes a strong sense of movement, as reflected in the folds of the garment. On the base there is an engraved harp and an olive branch, symbols of his art. A slight tilt of the head is noticeable on the bust of Souris, which lends gravity and pride to the sculpture, which was erected on a three-step pedestal and base. The sculpture of historian Constantine Paparigopoulos is characteristic for its simplicity.

What I can't see

These were celebrated intellectuals of modern Greece. Achilles Paraschos was an important romantic poet of the 19^th century; Ioannis Polemis was a poet and playwright, who opposed excessive romanticism and belonged to a generation of poets who introduced the demotic (vernacular) language in his work. His verses were symbolic and lyrical and had immense popular appeal. George Souris was a satirical poet and was nicknamed “Modern Aristophanes”. Ioannis Kiriakos was chairman of the Olympian and Legacy Committee and Stefanos Dragoumis was a prominent judge and politician of the 19^th century. Finally, Constantine Paparigopoulos is considered by historians to be the father of modern Greek historiography. He introduced the concept of continuity in Greek history, divided into 3 parts: ancient, medieval (Byzantine) and contemporary history. This holistic approach became the foundation of the modern Greek national identity.

 

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