Having a history of centuries, Athens has gone through various stages and has many forms. Seeing, in fact, some places in photographs it is often impossible for us to recognize them. The Old Athens,has many stories to tell, unknown to most. As with the naked statues at the Sleman Mansion, one of the most beautiful neoclassical buildings of Athens.
The funny story with the statues that bothered the prudish of the Old Athens
But let’s start from the beginning. A decade after his settlement in Athens and after becoming rich, Henry Sleeman entrusted the creation of his residence to his closest friend and architect. Ernste Chiller. We are talking about the Sleman residence on Panepistimiou Avenue, whose plans were carried out in 1878. Its construction was completed in 1880 and today it houses the Monetary Museum. For many years, therefore, “Iliou Melathron” (meaning the Mansion of the Troy) was the center of the political, social and spiritual life of Athens. It is indicative that in one part of the mansion was also housed the political office of Eleftherios Venizelos.
What is generally unknown is a small “scandal” that was created because of the 24 statues that had been placed on the parapet and which were… Nudes. Their nudity, according to historical reports, caused the modesty of some, resulting in a protest to the government. Sleman decided to dress them up. But the result was different than some might have expected as the spectacle caused laughter the following day.
The large clay statues were made in Vienna and represented forms from the Pantheon, of ancient Greek philosophy and mythology. As far as the copies are concerned, we are talking about the Meleagros of Skopas, the Vatican Amazon, Apollo, Athena, the Farense-type Diadoumenos, the Selinos, the Antinoos of the Capitol Museum and the Castelgandolfo-type Cyniscos.
Today, the huge clay statues of the parapet have been removed to be protected, while Diadoumenos (The Crowned) was moved and adornes the exterior of the National Archaeological Museum.
With information from Vima (a newspaper) (printed version)
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Sleman Mansion (also known as Iliou Melathron) on Panepistimiou Avenue featured 24 nude clay statues placed on its parapet. These statues were created in Vienna and represented figures from ancient Greek philosophy and mythology, including copies of famous classical sculptures like the Meleagros of Skopas, the Vatican Amazon, Apollo, Athena, and Antinoos of the Capitol Museum.
The nudity of the 24 statues placed on the mansion's parapet offended the sensibilities of conservative Athenian society in the late 19th century. Prudish residents protested to the government about the nude figures, leading mansion owner Henry Sleman to attempt to clothe the statues, which resulted in an unexpected and humorous spectacle.
The Sleman Mansion was designed by architect Ernste Chiller and constructed between 1878-1880. It was built by Henry Sleman, a wealthy resident of Athens, approximately a decade after his settlement in the city. Today, the building houses the Monetary Museum.
The large clay statues were eventually removed from the mansion's parapet to protect them. One statue, the Diadoumenos (The Crowned), was relocated and now adorns the exterior of the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
The Sleman Mansion was one of the most beautiful neoclassical buildings in Athens and served as a center of political, social, and spiritual life for many years. It housed the political office of Eleftherios Venizelos, a prominent Greek statesman, and now functions as the Monetary Museum.
