ANTHOGRAPHIA – BOTANICAL PAINTING EXHIBITION

15May
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ANTHOGRAPHIA – BOTANICAL PAINTING EXHIBITION

ANTHOGRAPHIA – BOTANICAL PAINTING EXHIBITION

Wednesday 14th to Sunday 15th June 2025

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY GOULANDRIS

Othonos 100, Kifisia, 14562, Athens

Supported by

Since the Bronze Age Greece has been known for its dedication to the natural world shown through art. This moved on to Theophrastus’(371-287 BC) study of endemic species, whose books included Enquiry into Plants and On the Causes of Plants. This, and the work of Pedanius Dioscorides (60 A.D.) De Materia Medica, could be said to be the origins to new forms of art: Scientific Illustration and Botanical Painting.

Greek Flora has always intrigued and fascinated travellers and a major work Flora Graeca published by John Sibthorp in 1806, a highly significant work in the history of Greek botany with precise colour plates painted by the Austrian Ferdinand Bauer. During this period of world exploration detailed black and white drawings and paintings were the only way to record the rich botanical diversity throughout the world. The modern revival of this form of art started in the 1980s and many countries now have thriving societies whose members produce beautiful and accurate depictions of both wildflowers and hybridised garden plants.

In Greece one artist stood out on the international scene, the late Niki Goulandris, and it is therefore fitting that ANTHOGRAPHIA should take place at the Natural History Museum bearing her family name. The Opening will be on Wednesday 14th May and it will run through to Sunday 15th June. There is no entrance fee to the Exhibition.

15 contemporary international artists with a strong connection to Greece have submitted individual works, scientific illustrations or a group of wildflower paintings connected to a particular place. The latter include George Sfikas (Taygetos mountains) and Judith Allen-Efstathiou (Kea island kalderimia).

Virginia Murray, current President of the Mediterranean Garden Society, has endorsed this initiative: “We are delighted that Anthographia will present a selection of black and white drawings which have been published in the quarterly Journal of the Mediterranean Garden Society for the past 30 years.”

Fali Vogiatzaki, President of the Goulandris Natural History Museum, agrees: “We would like to encourage more Greek artists to practice and enjoy botanical art, as well as to honour Niki Goulandris, an important personality in the establishment of Sparoza as one of the most important waterwise gardens in the Mediterranean basin.”

Worldwide Botanical Art Day 2025 is celebrated on the 18th May, but as yet there is no national Society in Greece for this art form. Nevertheless Carol Woodin the Exhibition Organiser of the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA), who is one of the ANTHOGRAPHIA artists, has said: “Thanks for going ahead and doing this show anyway. It may jumpstart some more botanical artists working in Greece.” Contd. over

EXHIBITION OPENING

Wednesday 14th May 12.30 – 15.00

Thursday 15th May 11.00 – 13.00
For local artists wanting to learn more there will be a two-hour demonstration in the ‘Circle’ room at the Museum by Vincent Jeannerot, the well-known Botanical Artist from Lyon, France. Free of charge to the first 15 participants in order of arrival.

Sunday 25th May 13.00 and 15.00
Kapon Editions will arrange a book-signing with Judith Allen_Efstathiou – Mapping the Walk, her wildflower drawings of Kea island. Entry free of charge.

The organisers would like to thank all those on the Co-ordinating Committee

in particular Shevaun Doherty, current President of the Society of Botanical Artists and Maggy Fitzpatrick, who have both done so much to bring ANTHOGRAPHIA to life.

More information +00 30 2423065144 mail@lagouraxi.com

 Sponsored by

Lagou Raxi Country Hotel, Lafkos, South Pelion

Milea Winery, Argalasti, South Pelion – Kapon Editions, Athens

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