280.00€
Rare Greek Royal Lithograph – King Constantine I & King George II
Ch. Kairakis, Athens, circa 1923–1924 | 50 × 70 cm
A rare and visually striking piece of modern Greek royal and political ephemera, depicting two important figures of the Greek monarchy: King Constantine I (1868–1923) and his eldest son King George II (1890–1947).
The large-format colour lithograph presents the two monarchs in formal military dress within separate oval portrait panels.
At left is King Constantine I, wearing the distinctive uniform and plumed headgear associated with his military career. Beneath the portrait is the Greek inscription:
«Ο ΑΕΙΜΝΗΣΤΟΣ ΚΩΝΣΤΑΝΤΙΝΟΣ ΜΑΣ»
“Our Late/Beloved Constantine”
At right is King George II, shown in military uniform decorated with numerous orders and medals, accompanied by the inscription:
«ΓΕΩΡΓΙΟΣ Β΄ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥΣ ΤΩΝ ΕΛΛΗΝΩΝ»
“George II, King of the Hellenes”
The historical context places the lithograph most plausibly in 1923–1924, probably 1923. Constantine I abdicated in September 1922, and his eldest son George II succeeded him as King of the Hellenes on 27 September 1922. Constantine died in January 1923, after which royal imagery commemorating him as the “late Constantine” appeared alongside representations of the reigning George II. The monarchy was subsequently abolished in 1924 with the establishment of the Second Hellenic Republic.
This royal portrait is an example of the popular political and royal imagery circulated in Greece during the turbulent transition from monarchy to the Second Hellenic Republic.
Printer :
The lower right corner bears the imprint of Χ. ΚΑΪΡΑΚΗΣ (Ch. Kairakis), Athens, with reference to Στοά Μαρασλή – Αθήναι (Stoa Marasli, Athens).
Dimensions
Approx. 50 × 70 cm (19.7 × 27.6 inches), Unframed
The large 50 × 70 cm format also makes it an impressive display piece.
Condition:
Original antique paper, approximately one century old. The poster retains exceptionally strong and vibrant original colours, particularly considering its age. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition description.
A rare survivor in unusually attractive colour and with considerable historical and decorative appeal.
