What I can see

Aliki Hatzi’s work depicts the diplomat and benefactor Lyssimachos Kaftanzoglou, who was a sports enthusiast, and with his bequest, the Kaftanzoglio Stadium was built. The marble sculpture is 2.64m high and is of an academic style. It is not considered one of the best sculptures in the city. Kaftanzoglou has been depicted simplistically, with his coat and body serving only the support of the head and ultimately, the entire sculpture being reminiscent of a bust.

What I can't see

It is one of the few statues in the city that was created for someone who was a benefactor, without being a historical figure. Lyssimachos Kaftanzoglou was the son of the famous 19th century architect Lyssandros Kaftanzoglou, many of whose neoclassical works are emblematic buildings of Athens. Inside the stadium, there are sculptures of Lyssandros and Ioannis Goutas Kaftanzoglou, works by the same sculptor. As is the case with the Kaftanzoglio Stadium, so with the Kaftanzoglou family, most people add the letter T to their name and we often hear it said or see it written “Kaftantzoglou” and “Kaftantzoglio” respectively. It is a mistake that has prevailed to such an extent that many people think that the real name is written or pronounced incorrectly.

Info

• Address: Entrance of Kaftantzoglio Stadium

Bibliography