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The Bicentenary of the Exodus of Mesologgi (1826-2026): Philhellene Art and the Making of a National Symbol
Seminar Date: Thurs 3 Sept 2026 @ 7pm Melbourne
Location: Level 12, The Greek Centre, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Presenter: Dr. Spiridoula Demetriou Language of Presentation: English
Entry: FREE |
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Abstract
Two centuries after the Exodus of Mesologgi on 11 April 1826, its legacy continues to resonate as a lasting symbol of Greek heroism in the pursuit of political freedom. The fall of Mesologgi stands not only as one of the defining episodes of the Greek War of Independence but also as a testament to the resolve and determination of the town's defenders. Throughout the Greek War of Independence, the prominence of Mesologgi in Philhellene art reflected how the town's fate came to embody the changing course of the Greek insurrection for European audiences. This seminar examines the representation of Mesologgi in Philhellene art, exploring how images of the 1826 Exodus mobilized European public opinion in support of the Greek cause. Moving beyond the historical events themselves, it considers how these visual representations shaped the Western imagination of the Greek Revolution and established the Exodus as a lasting symbol in the formation of modern Greece.
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About Dr. Spiridoula Demetriou
Spiridoula Demetriou completed her PhD in the Department of Art History at the University of Melbourne. Her doctoral thesis, The Creation of Modern Greece: Mesologgi, Art and Philhellenism in the Nineteenth Century, examines how Philhellene artists represented revolutionary Mesologgi to mobilize Western support for the Greek War of Independence against Ottoman rule. She recently co-curated the commemorative exhibition MISSOLONGHI 1826: 200 YEARS SINCE THE EXODUS at the Benaki Museum.
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Join us at The Greek Centre
This is an in-person only event, join us on Level 12, at The Greek Centre. Join our speaker at The Greek Centre, submit questions during the Q&A, and enjoy conversing after the presentation. We look forward to seeing you at The Greek Centre.
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Sponsors
During the course of the year considerable expenses are incurred in staging the seminars. In order to mitigate these costs individuals or organisations are invited to donate against a lecture of their choice. You too can donate for one or more seminars and (optionally) let your name or brand be known as a patron of culture to our members, visitors and followers, as well as the broader artistic and cultural community of Melbourne. Please email: info@greekcommunity.com.au or call 03 9662 2722. We thank the following corporate sponsors:
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See the Full 2026 Seminar Schedule
The Greek History and Culture Seminars are organised and hosted by The Greek Community of Melbourne and provide the opportunity for everyone to experience the long and fascinating history of Greece and Greek culture in its various forms and stages, aspects of which have formed the foundation of Western civilisation.
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The Greek Community of Melbourne is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Non-Profits Commission ABN 14004258360
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