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Erol Degirmenci

An ardent classicist based in the pearl of the Aegean. Admirer of Neoclassical art. Lover of anything related to antiquity.

Stories By Erol Degirmenci

Ancient Greece

Painting of the Week: Leonidas at Thermopylae by Jacques-Louis David
By Erol DegirmenciJanuary 24, 2021
Whether you are within an academic environment or at a coffee shop, when the term ‘Neoclassicism’ and its huge influence on the visual arts arise, you are likely to hear the name Jacques-Louis David many times....
Ancient Greece

The Torlonia Marbles: A Long-awaited Classical Collection
By Erol DegirmenciJanuary 4, 2021
After strictly remaining in the shade for decades and decades, one of the world’s most extensive private collections of classical sculpture, the Torlonia marbles became partially public on the 14th of October. Out of 600+ artifacts...
19th Century

The Women Blessed by Dionysus: Maenads
By Erol DegirmenciNovember 2, 2020
One of the reasons why we find Greek mythology so fascinating is because of its incredibly diverse structure. All of the gods and goddesses have unique characteristics and, according to the ancient source material, they were...
Ancient Greece

The Serene Beauty of a Pastoral Love: Daphnis and Chloé Paintings
By Erol DegirmenciSeptember 11, 2020
Well-known love stories are an essential part of our literary conscience. Within these stories, themes such as separation, sacrifice, and passion play a significant role. Yet, there are not many examples where the love between characters...
21st century

Three Unique Portrayals of Europa’s Abduction Myth
By Erol DegirmenciSeptember 10, 2020
The mesmerizing realm of Greek mythology is one of the greatest sources for artists to exhibit their technical brilliance and unique interpretations. Its influence and weight not only strongly felt in visual arts, but in every...
Ancient Greece

Depictions of Ajax in Ancient Greek Pottery
By Erol DegirmenciJuly 9, 2020
Ancient Greek literature is abundant in legendary heroes who live and die for everlasting glory. Their names and deeds echoed in the conscience of many societies for centuries and continue to do so. Naturally, these epochal...
19th Century

William Waterhouse’s Love for Circe
By Erol DegirmenciMay 21, 2020
Circe is one of the fascinating characters in Homer’s epic poem the Odyssey. Due to her complex and unconventional nature, many painters have attempted to portray her in their own unique ways throughout history. Yet, there...