Athena, according to Greek mythology, was the goddess of wisdom, olive tree, strategy and war. The word “promachos” dates back to the homeric period. In fact, it is used in the homeric poem, Iliad, to characterise the person who fights in the first line, but also as a main name: Promachos was a warrior who took part in Trojan war and was killed with a spear.
In the precinct of the Academy of Athens, based on a column of Ionian order at a height of 10 metres, we find the goddess Athena. Fully armed, as if she’s ready for battle, she holds her spear and shield raised. The model of this statue was the feudal Athena, a colossal sculpture placed in Acropolis, that was visible even by the ships, which were sailing offshore Sounion. On the left side of Athena Promachos, two 19th-century neoclassical mansions: the University of Athens and the National Library.
Imposing and haughty, «dressed in» her waving marble tunic, she has been overlooking the Korai square, the Klafthmonos square, lots of passers-by, buses, stallholders, pigeons, and all the seasons passing by, in one of the most beautiful streets of the historical city-centre, the one of Panepistimiou Street. She has been hearing chatter for years and she knows all the secrets of the Athenians; but she reveals nothing. Maybe she shares some of them with her friend, Apollo the Guitarist, who’s standing next to her at about the same height. Rumour has it, you can hear whispers and a little lyre tune late at night, when the atmosphere is cleaned from noises and rush drivers’ horns
Academy of Athens,
28 Panepistimiou Ave
Sculptor:
Leonidas Drosis
Μaterial: Βody made of Pentelic marble
Weapons made of bronze