Nikos Stournaras, Original 1960s Silver Gelatin Photograph, Greek Resistance Partisans, ELAS 54th Regiment, Mount Pelion, WWII

NIKOS STOURNARAS (1918–1993) Greek Resistance Partisans of the 54th ELAS Regiment, Mount Pelion, Winter 1943–1944

Original vintage silver gelatin photograph, circa 1960s.

An exceptional and historically significant original vintage silver gelatin photograph by Greek photographer and Resistance artist Nikolaos (Nikos) Stournaras (1918–1993), depicting fighters of the legendary 54th Regiment of ELAS (Greek People’s Liberation Army) against the snow-covered mountain landscape of Mount Pelion, Greece, during the winter of 1943–1944.

This striking composition is a remarkable document of the Greek Resistance during the German occupation. Drawing upon his classical photographic training, Stournaras presents the fighters in a carefully composed, almost monumental arrangement, transforming a documentary subject into a powerful image of resistance, courage and determination.

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Nikos Stournaras was a Greek photographer and artist who documented the Resistance movement during the Second World War. His photographs from the Volos and Mount Pelion region constitute an important visual record of the Greek struggle against Axis occupation.

His work combines documentary testimony with a distinctive artistic sensibility, reflecting his background in classical photographic practice.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The 54th Regiment of ELAS was active in the Magnesia region and became particularly associated with the liberation of Volos in October 1944.

According to the historical account accompanying this photograph, members of the regiment played a significant role in preventing the destruction of Volos by intercepting German explosives.

Stournaras documented the activities of the Resistance fighters, with many of his photographs taken in the mountainous landscape of Mount Pelion.

The image captures an important moment in modern Greek history and represents a compelling intersection of documentary photography, political history and fine art.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

• Artist / Photographer: Nikolaos (Nikos) Stournaras (1918–1993)
• Title: ELAS 54th Regiment – Partisans in Snow
• Subject: Greek Resistance fighters
• Location: Mount Pelion, Magnesia, Greece
• Date of original photograph: Winter 1943–1944
• Date of photographic print: Circa 1960s
• Technique: Traditional silver gelatin photographic process
• Support: Heavy photographic paper
• Presentation: Original studio presentation folder

AUTHENTICITY & STUDIO MARKING

The original presentation folder bears an embossed studio stamp reading:

NIC. STOURNARAS
ARTIST & PHOTOGRAPHER
HERMOU & DIONISIOU 3
ATHENS

This period studio marking is an important identifying feature and supports the attribution of the photograph to the artist.

CONDITION

Near Mint (NM).

The photograph displays excellent tonal range, crisp contrast and beautiful rich silvery blacks, with virtually no visible silver mirroring or deterioration.

Preserved in its original presentation folder.

DIMENSIONS

• Photographic print: 19.5 × 14.5 cm
• Original presentation folder: 33 × 24 cm

A RARE COLLECTIBLE HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPH

An evocative example of mid-century Greek documentary photography, combining significant historical subject matter, traditional photographic craftsmanship and an original artist-associated studio presentation.

Particularly interesting to collectors of:

• Greek modern and documentary photography
• Second World War photographic history
• European Resistance history
• Vintage silver gelatin prints
• Mid-century photographic art

The sale includes the original photographic print and its original presentation folder.

This is a vintage 1960s photographic print of an image originally taken during the winter of 1943–1944, not a contemporary reproduction or a wartime photographic print.