Ailesinin onbeşinci çocuğu olan Otto Magnus von Stackelberg (1787-1837) Estonya'da doğup büyüdü ve orada eğitim gördü. Eğitimini Almanya ve Moskova'da sürdürdükten sonra İtalya'ya gider; oradayken resim ve öteki güzel sanatların ve antik çağ kültürünün yaşamını belirleyeceğinin bilincine varır. 1810-1813 yıllarında yaşadığı Yunanistan'da, Avrupalı sanatçı aydın ve tüccarlardan oluşan büyük bir cemaatle tanışıp Atina, Egina, Figaleia ve Anadolu'da yaptıkları kazı çalışmalarına katılır. Daha sonra Roma'ya giderek burada 12 yıl kalır, İngiltere, Fransa ve Hollanda'yı gezer, yaşamının son iki yılını ise kendi memleketinde geçirir.

Yaşadığı devirde hakim olan antik çağ hayranlığından ve doğa yaşam sanat birliğini savunan romantizm akımından esinlenen Stackelberg, Yunanistan ve İtalya'ya yaptığı geziden sonra eserinde eski anıtlar ve çağdaş insanlardan birarada sözederken çağının dünya görüşünü dile getirmekteydi. Kendi sözleriyle "Bir sentezin haşmeti, abartılı ve kendini heder edici tutkudan çok, ortaya koyduğu dinginlik ve yalınlıkta bulunuyor". Çizdiği insan figürlerinde gerçeğe olabildiğince yakın olma kaygısı bunları "yitirilecek bir tarihsel an" gibi görmesinden kaynaklanıyor. Stackelberg'in yaptığı bakır baskılar etraflı açıklamalarla tamamlanmakta.

Yerlilerle ilişkileri hakkında Stackelberg şunları yazmakta: "Bana yaklaşan köylüler eskizlerimden son derece etkilenmiş görünüyordu, çizdiklerime bakıp çocuksu bir saflıkla acaba bunların Yunanistan'ın Türk hakimiyetinden kurtulmasında bir katkısı olabilir mi diye soruyorlardı".

Stackelberg özellikle insan tipleri ve yer manzaralarından ibaret olan, ayrıca arkeolojik sitler de gösteren etkileyici eserler yayımlamıştır. Yerel kıyafetlerini giyen insan tipleri desenleri içeren ilk (bakır baskı) gravürleri 1825 yılında Roma'da yayınlandı. Bu ilk yayını 1826'da Vassai'deki (Bassae) Apollo tapınağı ile ilgili yayın, 1834'te ise yer manzaraları gravürlerini içeren başka bir yayın izler. Büyük bir ilgiyle karşılanmış olan insan tipleri desenleri, başka gezi kitaplarını dekore etmek üzere kopya edilip bir çok kez yeniden yayınlandı.

Stackelberg 1809 yılında Atina'da bir edebiyat cemiyeti kurmuş olan Danimarkalı Alman ve İngiliz arkeoloji-sever bir sanatçı ve mimar grubunun üyesiydi. Aralarında J. Linckh, J.R. Cockerell, J. Foster, K. Haller von Hallerstein, P. Brönsted, O.M. von Stackelberg v.b. isimlerin bulunduğu bu cemiyet üyeleri arkeolojik araştırma ve kazılar gerçekleştirir. Bu şekilde, keşfettikleri eski çağ heykeltraşlık başyapıtlarını yağmalayıp Avrupa'ya kaçırma ve satma usulüyle Yunanistan'ı antik çağların en görkemli iki yontu takımından mahrum ederler. Sözkonusu eserler Egina adasındaki Athena Aphaia tapınağındaki yontularla Bassai'deki (Vassai) Apollo Epicurius tapınağı yontularıdır.

Grubun tüm üyeleri yazdıkları eserlerde Figaleia'nın Vassai mevkiinde gerçekleştirdikleri faaliyetleri kaydedip kazı safhalarını, geçirdikleri maceraları ve kabartma yontuları keşfetmekteki umulmadık şanslarını, yontuların elde edilmesi için yaptıkları tertipleri, makamlara verdikleri rüşvetleri, pazarlamalarını, yontuların kaçırılmasını, hatta birçoğunun kaçırıldıkları tarihten (1811'in yazı) mezatta satılıp British Museum'a ulaşmalarına dek (1814 ilkbaharı) uğradığı hasarları, sözün kısası herşeyi ayrıntılı biçimde yazarlar.

Sözkonusu eserde, Stackelberg, Apollo Epicurius tapınağı yontularının keşfedilişi, kazıların icrası ve yontuların kaçırılması ile ilgili herşeyi bir yazar ve sanatçı bakış açısından anlatmaktadır. Antik tapınaklarla ilgili tarihsel veriler yanısıra Amazonlar savaşı ve Kentauroslar (Sentorlar) savaşı efsanesi ve kabartma süslemeli değerli taşlar hakkında yazar; ayrıca yunan halk türküleri (eşkıya ve Anadolu rum türküleri) müzik ve sözlerini kaydeder ve çoban hayatıyla kırsal hayat biçiminin övgüsünü kurar. Metnini dayandırdığı belgeler Pausanias, Thukidides, Herodotos, Plinius, Vitruvius, Plutarkos, Diodorus, Callimachus (Kallimakos), Homeros, Vergilius v.b. gibi antik Yunan ve Latin yazarlardan alıntılardır.

Bu büyük boy baskıyı süsleyen üstün kaliteli gravürlerin çizimi Stackelberg tarafından yapılmış olup nakışları I.C. Reinachart, W.F. Gmelin, G.B. Cipriani, L. Moentler, Ang. Testa gibi birçok gravürcünün imzasını taşımakta. Aralarında Stackelberg'in başka kitapları için de çalışmış olan D. Marchetti'nin imzası da bulunmaktadır.

Yazan: İoli Vingopoulou

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  Woman from Myconos.

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  Woman from Lesbos.

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  Woman from Chios.

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  Woman from Kythnos.

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  Woman from Kasos.

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  Woman in wedding dress.

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  Greek officer from Nafplio, 1825.

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  Greek local notable.

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  Spouse of a Greek local notable.

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  Peasant woman from the outskirts of Athens.

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  The Temple of Apollo in ancient Corinth.

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  Landscape in ancient Messene.

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  View of Gonousa, village of Corinthian prefecture, on Mount Cyllene.

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  The Temple of Zeus in Nemea.

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  The ruins of the Oracle of Trophonius in Livadeia, and the Catalan castle.

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  View of Pineios river in the Vale of Tempe in Thessaly.

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  View of Dekeleia, ancient city in Acharnes. In the background the Acropolis of Athens, the Saronic Gulf and the island of Aegina.

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  Title page.

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  Landscape on Aigaia, somewhere in between Marmari and Carystus, in Euboea.

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  The valley of Nemea. In the background the pillars of the Temple of Zeus.

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  The Temple of Aphaia on Aegina island.

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  Landscape on Aegina island. In the background the Temple of Aphaia.

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  Landscape on Aegina island. In the background Palaiochora.

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  The Temple of Poseidon in Sounio.

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  View of the Gulf of Corinth from Mount Cyllene.

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  The ruins of the Acropolis of Panopeus and the valley of Chaeronea.

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  View of Gonnoi, ancient city north of Pineios river, towards the western entrance to the Vale of Tempe.

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  The fortress Korakalithari at Vardoussia (Korakas).

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  View of Plataea.

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  Landscape in Salamis island.

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  Mount Taygetus from the ancient theater of Sparta.

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  Views of Pagasetic Gulf.

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  Landscape in Olympia. In the background Alfeios river.

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  Landscape around the Fortress of Fyli on Mount Parnitha.

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  Landscape in Mycenae. On the left the Acropolis of Mycenae and the Lions Gate.

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  View of Palaia Epidavros.

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  Landscape in Argolis. In the background the city of Nafplio.

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  Title page.

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  Janissary from Ioannina.

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  Peasant woman from the outskirts of Athens in festive costume.

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  Peasant woman from the outskirts of Athens in festive costume.

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  Shepherdess from Arcadia.

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  Woman from the ouskirts of Thebes.

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  Village priest and child assistant to the priest from the ouskirts of Thebes.

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  Woman from Mani.

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  Woman from Trikeri.

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  Woman from Makrynitsa.

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  Native of Thessaly.

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  Woman from Delphi.

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  Albanian officer.

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  Greek sailor.

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  Greek woman wearing a veil.

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  Greek archbishop.

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  Female costume of Poros and Hydra.

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  Native of Mani.

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  Shepherd from Arcadia.

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  Greek merchant.

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  Female costume of Aegina and Megara.

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  The shores of Alfeios river close to Phrixus Mountain.

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  Title page.

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  Shepherds in Arcadia, Peloponnese.

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  A typical scene from the life of the pirates.

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  “Pano-kato” dance.

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  Interior of a peasants' dwelling.

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  Inn at Corinth.

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  Goat shepherds in Arcadia.

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  A bazaar in Corinth.

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  Memorial service on Saturday of the Souls, Athens.

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  Processing of cotton in Limni, Euboea.

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  The living-room of a noblewoman's house.

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  Title page. The Acropolis and Temple of Hephaestus in Athens.

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  Title page of the first part of the book. The Postern Gate of the Mycenae Acropolis.

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  Title page. Cape Tainaron.

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  View of the valley of Leuctra with Cape Tainaron.

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  View of Mount Taygetus from Sparta.

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  Ruins at the site of the Acropolis of Sparta.

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  View of the plain of Eurotas. View of Mystras.

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  A stone bridge on Eurotas river.

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  View of the port of Avlemonas or Kastri or Agios Nikolaos on Cythera island.

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  Chapter page. View of Methoni.

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  View of Kardamyli, Mani.

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  View of Malta in Messenia.

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  View of Kalamata.

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  The Arcadian Gate of Αncient Messene.

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  The walls of Αncient Messene.

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  View of Koroni from the see.

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  View of Methoni from the sea, Peloponnese.

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  Ships entering the bay of Navarino.

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  View of the gulf of Kyparissia.

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  View of Pylos from the sea. The Castle of Pylos (Niokastro).

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  Chapter page. The Tholos Tomb of Mycenae or Treasury of Atreus.

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  View of Troezen, Argolis.

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  The port of Aegina as seen from the archaeological site of Kolonna.

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  The temple of Aphaia in Aegina and the coast of Attica.

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  Landscape on Mount Hellanion, Aegina island.

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  Mycenean monument near Mycenae.

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  Chapter page. The Pyramid of Hellinikon, near Argos.

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  Landscape at Megalopolis, Peloponnese.

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  Landscape at Carytaina. In the background, the town's Frankish castle. Following Pausanias, Stackelberg erroneously identifies the location as the site of ancient Trapezous, which was actually situated between the villages of Kyparissia and Mavria.

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  View of Carytaina. Following Pausanias, Stackelberg erroneously identifies the location as the site of ancient Trapezous, which was actually situated between the villages of Kyparissia and Mavria.

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  View of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae, Figaleia.

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  View of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae, Phigaleia.

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  View of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae, Phigaleia.

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  Landscape at Phigaleia, Peloponnese.

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  View of Andritsaina, Peloponnese.

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  The course of Ladon river (tributary to Alfeios river), Arcadia.

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  Lake Stymphalia, Corinthia.

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  Landscape at Pheneos, today in Corinthia.

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  Landscape at Kalavryta, the site of ancient Nonacris.

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  The waterfalls of the Styx.

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  Chapter page. Bridge on Alfeios river.

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  The valley of Ancient Olympia.

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  View of the city and port of Zakynthos.

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  Lanscape in Zakynthos. The city of Zakynthos with the Venetian fortress in the background.

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  Chapter page. The Monastery of Mega Spilaio in Achaia.

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  View of the Monastery of Mega Spilaio in Achaia.

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  Ships entering the Gulf of Corinth. The city of Patras in the background, on the right.

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  View of Patras from Mount Panachaiko.

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  View of Patras from the sea.

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  Ancient Sicyon as seen from the ruins of the Ancient Theatre.

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  View of Αncient Corinth with Acrocorinth.

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  View of Ancient Corinth with Acrocorinth in the background.

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  View of Ancient Corinth with Acrocorinth.

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  Title page of the second part of the book. The Arch of Hadrian in Athens.

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  Title page. Moulki (today Aianteion), in Salamis.

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  Landscape at Megara, Attica.

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  The Thriasian plain or Rharian field in Eleusis.

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  View of the Pnyx and the ancient Bema, Athens.

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  Panoramic view of Athens.

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  The monument of Philopappus in Athens.

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  Landscape at Athens, Piraeus in the background.

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  Landscape with Ilissus river. In the background, the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens.

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  Landscape at Cephissus river.

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  View of Athens from the Academy of Plato. The Acropolis and the temple of Hephaeustus (left) in the background.

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  View of Athens from the south.

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  View of Athens from Philopappus Hill.

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  The temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens.

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  The Choregic monument of Lysicrates in Athens.

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  The interior court of a house in Athens.

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  The quarries of Mount Pentelikon.

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  The plain of Marathon seen from Brauron.

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  Landscape at Thorikos, Attica.

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  View of Chalcis, Euboea.

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  Chapter page. Landscape on Mount Parnassus.

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  View of Livadeia, Central Greece.

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  View of Thebes with Cadmeia, the ancient acropolis of Thebes.

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  View of the port of Aulis, Boeotia. Chalcis in the background.

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  Chapter page. The Castalian spring.

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  Landscape at Delphi.

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  The village of Chrisso (ancient Crissa) on Mount Parnassus.

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  Ttile page. The fountain of Dirce, Thebes.

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  The Aetolian coast seen from Patras.

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  View of Missolonghi, Central Greece.

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  Chapter page. A fountain in Ithaca.

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  Landscape at Ithaca, with the bay of Vathy.

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  View of Vathy in Ithaca.

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  Ruins of the polygonal walls of the acropolis on Aetos Hill, Ithaca.

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  Landscape at Sami, Cephalonia.

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  View of Vathy on Ithaca island. Plan of a Mycenean structure called “Palace of Odysseus” at the ancient acropolis of Ithaka on Aetos Hill.

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  Title page. Landscape at the valley of Larissa, Thessaly.

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  Landscape at Larissa.

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  Landscape at the Vale of Tempi between Mount Olympus and Mount Kissavos.

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  Landscape near the ancient site of Gonnoi, at the Vale of Tempi. Due to its strong fortress, the location was also called Kondylos or Gonnokondylos.

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  The tekije (dervish lodge) of Hassan Baba at the Vale of Tempi, Thessaly.

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  Landscape at Mount Pelion, Thessaly.

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  View of Chora, Skopelos island.

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  View of the monasteries of Meteora, Thessaly.

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  Varlaam monastery, Meteora.

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  View of Preveza, Epirus.

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  The port of Palaiopolis, Corfu island. Landscape at Nicopolis, Epirus.

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  Title page. Archaeological excavations at the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae, conducted by the team of Western European archaeophiles who eventually pillaged all of the reliefs and sculptures of the temple.

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  Slab with inscription from the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae.

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  Music and lines of traditional song of Arcadia.

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  Lyrics of klepht song of Arcadia.

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  Scores of love songs from Athens.

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  Two different versions of Greek love song from Izmir.

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  Music and lines of the song of “Kyra Frosyni”, from Epirus.

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  Song in honour of Sultan Selim (not specified which of the Sultans named Selim).

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  Different versions of syrtos dance.

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  Syrto from Istanbul. Score of religious hymn.

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  Landscape at Figaleia. In the background, the temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae.

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  View of the temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae.

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  The interior of the temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae.

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  Plan of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae.

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  Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae: Reconstruction of the façade, and the outer peristyle along the sides of the temple. Reconstruction of the inner peristyle of the entrance to the temple. Reconstruction of the inner peristyle along the sides of the temple, showing the positioning of the frieze around the cella. Reconstruction of part of the cella, showing the position of Apollo's statue and slabs from the frieze.

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  Drawings of the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae. Top: Battle among the Greeks, headed by Heracles and the Amazons. Bottom: Battle between the Centaurs and the Lapiths.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Amazonomachy scene.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Amazonomachy scene.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Amazonomachy scene.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Amazonomachy scene.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Amazonomachy scene.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Amazonomachy scene.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Amazonomachy scene.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Amazonomachy scene; the figure of Heracles is visible.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Amazonomachy scene.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Amazonomachy scene.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Amazonomachy scene.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Amazonomachy scene.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Scene from the battle between the Centaurs and the Lapiths.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Scene from the battle between the Centaurs and the Lapiths.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Scene from the battle between the Centaurs and the Lapiths.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Scene from the battle between the Centaurs and the Lapiths.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Scene from the battle between the Centaurs and the Lapiths.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Scene from the battle between the Centaurs and the Lapiths.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Scene from the battle between the Centaurs and the Lapiths.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Scene from the battle between the Centaurs and the Lapiths.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Scene from the battle between the Centaurs and the Lapiths.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Scene from the battle between the Centaurs and the Lapiths.

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  Slab from the frieze of the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae: Scene from the battle between the Centaurs and the Lapiths.

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  Fragments of reliefs from the temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae.

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  Fragments of statue, probably Apollo's, from the temple of Apollo Epicurius in Bassae.