The Hellenic Initiative's 1821 Society and New Leaders partake of a preview in Athens and an extraordinary auction in Paris
The Hellenic Initiative’s (THI) esteemed global community witnessed the continuing allure and global reach of the Greek spirit as participants in the ‘Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr Greek Sale’, an extraordinary collaborative sale put together by Bonhams in Paris and London and its associates in Athens, Art Expertise. The auction gathered the creations of modern Greece’s most beloved painters in an impressive selection of works, including Yiannis Tsarouchis, Alekos Fassianos, Nikos Engonopoulos and Yiannis Moralis.
THI helps Greece realize its potential not merely through its extensive fundraising and grant making activities but by creating a greater global Hellenic community out of the various communities of gifted and dedicated Hellenes and Philhellenes – entrepreneurs, scientists and physicians, athletes, academics and artists – of the diaspora, the homeland and the entire world.
The delightful and inspiring experience began in Athens, where THI members and supporters, including members of THI’s 1821 Society the young professionals of its New Leaders, enjoyed a preview of the auction. An exclusive invitation to Paris for a special viewing followed, with a marvelous reception featuring canapés by Michelin Star Chef Andreas Mavrommatis, proprietor of the renowned Mavrommatis of Paris.
The Greek Sale was an extension of how THI partners to promote Hellenism on the international stage. The success of the sale was a testament to the growing appreciation for contemporary Greek art and artists. From an initial evaluation of €500,000 the sale made a total of more than €2.9 million with 73% of lots sold – 99.96% by value.
The top lot at the auction was ‘Soldat dansant le zeibekiko’ by Tsarouchis (1910-1989), a leading representative of the celebrated ‘The Generation of the ’30s’, the remarkable group of writers, artists and intellectuals who introduced modernism to Greek art and literature.
Tsarouchis embodied in his art the ideal of ‘Greekness’ and created a unique personal style, depicting landscapes, still lives, nudes and allegorical scenes. The work sold for €381,400.
Since its founding, THI has raised more than $38 million and has grown to be the largest Greek Diaspora organization in the world.
Terpsichore Angelopoulou, Director of Art Expertise in Athens, said “we were honored to collaborate with The Hellenic Initiative in supporting the Greek community and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement. This event was just the beginning of what we believe will be a long and impactful partnership.”
Artemis Kohas, THI’s Director of Community Development, stated: “Participation in the Greek Sale is another way to bring together the communities – the Greek Diaspora, Greece and Philhellenes, as well as fans of Greek art and its creators. When wonderful people gather, wonderful things happen – for Greece and everyone.”
George P. Stamas, THI’s Board President, stated: “When we say one of our mottos is ‘oli mazi’ – ‘all together’, we mean ‘oli mazi’. The bright future of Greece is being fueled by innovation, imagination and passion, and the artists don’t only represent those qualities, they inspire the rest of us – to dare to dream.”
