GREECE ATTICA ATHENS NAMA THERA FRESCOES

In a separate exhibition the most important frescoes from Akrotiri on Thera (Santorini) are displayed. Meanwhile, most of these have been transferred back to the island. - The vivid colours (not so well reproduced in my photographs of 2009) make it hard to believe that these frescoes date from the 16th century BC.

Above from left to right: The "Spring fresco", the only wall-painting of Akrotiri that was found in situ, covering three walls of the same room. It depicts the rocky Theran landscape before the volcanic eruption. - Detail of the "Spring fresco", symbolically announcing nature's annual rebirth. - The fresco "Boxing children" depicts two naked boys wearing belts and boxing gloves. Their heads are shaved but for two long locks at the back and two shorter ones above the forehead. - Below left: The "Antelope fresco", where two antelopes are sketched with strong, dark lines on a white plaster background. - Below right: The "Blue monkeys".