The Greek revolution through the brushstrokes of artists

Few events in history have echoed with such passion and resonance as the Greek Revolution of 1821.

Centuries of cultural, religious and economic oppression under Ottoman rule fueled discontent and resistance among the Greek people. As a result, on February 22, 1821, the Greek national revolution broke out under the leadership of Alexandre Ypsilantis, head of the Filiki Eteria (Society of Friends). This tumultuous struggle led the path to freedom, liberty and revival of national identity among the Greek people.

Amidst the turmoil and heroism of this historic event, artists found inspiration to capture the spirit of defiance, sacrifice, and resilience through their creative expressions. The following artists, amongst many others, played a significant role in immortalizing the struggles and sacrifice of the Greek people in their fight for independence. Their works continue to inspire with audiences to this day.

One of the most famous was Eugène Delacroix, French Romantic painter who was deeply inspired by the suffering and heroism of the Greek people and helped raise awareness of the Greek cause.

His  masterpiece “The Massacre at Chios” (1824) depicts the brutality and inhumanity of war and the depths of human cruelty as well as the resistance and heroism of the victims. It captures the massacre of civilians by Ottoman forces on the island of Chios in 1822.

Another of Delacroix’s iconic paintings  “Greece on the Ruins of Messolonghi” (1831), represents a scene of despair and tragedy. Centered on a tragic female figure wearing traditional costume, (who represents Greece), barely enduring her pain, with arms outstretched emerging from the ruins. Her posture and expression recall traditional religious images of the Virgin weeping over the body of Christ.

Delacroix’s 1856 work, “Episode from the Greek War of Independence,” thrusts the viewer into the action of a Greek soldier mounted on a massive horse riding into the battle field, leaving the body of an Ottoman fighter in his wake.

As the struggle continued from 1824 to 1827, England, Russia and France recognized the autonomy of Greece. On October 20, 1827 the historical “Battle of Navarino” resulted in shifting the tide of the war for the allies and played a significant role in the eventual independence of Greece from Ottoman rule.  

Ambroise-Louis Garneray, a French painter witnessed this battle firsthand and created the significant piece of artwork “The Battle of Navarino” in 1828. As an eyewitness to the battle, Garneray’s painting serves as an important historical document. It provides valuable insights to the tactics, technology and conditions of naval warfare during the early 19^th century.

Greek artist, Theodoros Vryzakis’s “Exodos from Messolonghi” (1853) portrays one of the most brutal moments in the entire War of Independence. The Greek captains decided to lead the starving civilians to a heroic exodus out of the city while those who were not able to follow would remain and defend Messolonghi to their death.

Another famous Greek artist, Nikolaos Ghyzis with his painting “After the massacres of Psara” depicts the island’s residents’ attempt to escape the massacre by the Ottoman forces. People and bodies are packed onboard the tiny ship with the less fortunate shown drowning in the choppy waters.

In Ghyzis “Secret School” (1885)- painting depicts a school class held at night by the light of the moon, with a priest speaking to his small group of students. There is also a famous song about the “Secret School” that is still sung by Greek children to this day.

A Russian painter Ivan Aivasowsky’s depiction of an iconic moment in the war when Greek hero Kanaris burned a Turkish flagship off the coast of Chios in retribution for the massacre the Ottomans perpetrated against the island’s residents.

Italian painter Ludovico Lipparini’s “The Death of Markos Botsaris” portrays the legendary Greek freedom fighter who dies in battle. Since then, Botsaris became a hero and symbol of Greek heroism and sacrifice.

Francois Emile de Lanzac with “the episode of the exodus of Messolonghi” (1828) represents a tragic mother who plunges into her heart the knife with which she has already taken the life of her child.

Another masterpiece of Greek painter Theodoros Vryzakis’ “Grateful Hellas,” depicts Greece personified as a woman from classical antiquity with her shackles laying broken at her feet, thanking heroes of the revolution from freeing her of Ottoman rule.

Through their brushstrokes these artists, and many more, have immortalized the spirit and sacrifice of the Greek Revolution for generations to come. They have captured heroism, resilience and the courageous spirit of the Greek people in their quest for independence which inspired the entire world.