Financial supporter of the Greek War of Independence
Occupation: Banker
1775-1863
Eynard was moved by the sale of Greeks in slave markets in the Mediterranean. After the Missolonghi sacrifice, he was convinced that more effective action was needed. So, he sent 51,000 francs to ransom the enslaved women and children.
The financial supporter of Greeks
Although he belonged to a Swiss family, Eynard was actually born in Lyon of France. Being a friend of Ioannis Kapodistrias, he was very enthusiastic about the struggle of the Greeks during the Greek War of Independence. He was the chief of the philhellenic community in Europe and he aided the revolutionaries financially. He was made a Greek citizen for his services to this cause. He also advised the new state of Greece. His recommendation of Otho of Bavaria for the throne of Greece was adopted. His philhellenic feelings and sincere interest never stopped. In 1841 Eynard declared a “new alarm for the Greeks”, and he undertook efforts to help the Cretan Revolution of 1841 in order to liberate Megalonisos (Crete) and to unite it with Greece. However, he didn’t manage to send aid, because the revolution was quickly suppressed. In 1842, he became one of the co-founders of the National Bank of Greece. In 1839, he was one of the first Swiss to use the daguerreotype, a passion which he had until his death in 1863. His fortune was bequeathed to various charitable enterprises.
In his honor, the National Bank has named “Eynard’s mansion” the building that houses its Educational Institution, at the junction of Agios Konstantinos and Menandros streets, in the center of Athens. His name has also been given to a street in the Municipality of Athens.