280.00€
Rare original Greek royal photograph depicting Crown Prince Paul and Prime Minister Konstantinos Tsaldaris during an official ceremony in Piraeus, c. 1946–1947, probably 6 January 1947.
This vintage black-and-white period photograph, measuring approximately 18 cm x 23.5 cm, depicts Crown Prince Paul of Greece together with Konstantinos Tsaldaris, Prime Minister of Greece, members of the Greek government and senior military officials during an official ceremonial gathering in Piraeus.
Among the identifiable figures is Alexandros Papagos, who later became Prime Minister of Greece (1952–1955). At the time of this photograph, Papagos was a senior military figure and subsequently served as Lord Chamberlain to the Greek royal household. His presence adds particular historical interest to the photograph, documenting several prominent figures who would play important roles in post-war Greek political and institutional life.
The photograph was taken in front of the historic Church of the Holy Trinity (Hagia Triada), Piraeus. The original church was severely damaged and destroyed during the Allied bombing of Piraeus on 11 January 1944. Its façade and bell towers survived, and a temporary place of worship was subsequently established among the ruins.
The ceremonial setting, the presence of Crown Prince Paul and Prime Minister Tsaldaris, and the military formations surrounding the square strongly suggest an official state or religious ceremony in the immediate post-war period.
Based on historical and archival research, the photograph is believed to relate to the traditional Theophany (Epiphany) celebrations held in Piraeus on 6 January 1947, when members of the Greek royal family and Prime Minister Tsaldaris attended the ceremony. The identification and dating should therefore be regarded as a well-researched attribution rather than an absolutely documented identification.
The photograph is preserved in its original period envelope, measuring approximately 25 cm × 19 cm, bearing the name/mark of the Megalokonomos photographic agency, one of the important Greek photographic-news agencies of the period.
To the best of the seller’s knowledge, this particular photograph has not been identified in published sources or publicly accessible photographic archives. It may therefore represent an apparently unpublished original press photograph documenting the Greek monarchy and post-war Greece.
Details
Type: Original vintage/period photographic print
Date: c. 1946–1947, probably 6 January 1947
Location: Piraeus, Greece
Dimensions: approx. 18 cm × 23.5 cm
Envelope: original period envelope, approx. 25 cm × 19 cm
Subjects: Crown Prince Paul, Konstantinos Tsaldaris, Greek government and military officials
Historical context: Greek monarchy, post-war Greece, Piraeus, Theophany/Epiphany
Agency: Megalokonomos photographic agency
Condition: Good vintage condition. Please examine the photographs carefully for the exact condition and any signs of age, handling or storage.
A historically significant original photograph from the transitional period of the Greek monarchy immediately following the Second World War and Greek Civil War.
