Elly Sougioultzoglou-Seraidari, called 'Nelly's'
The Caryatids, Erectheum, Acropolis, c.1930
Vintage gelatin silver print, unknown multiple edition
Signed 'Nelly's/Athens' (lower right) on the artist's original mount, with photographer's stamp '18 Rue D'Hermes, Athens' and numbered '219' (on the reverse)
Signed 'Nelly's/Athens' (lower right) on the artist's original mount, with photographer's stamp '18 Rue D'Hermes, Athens' and numbered '219' (on the reverse)
28 x 21.7 cm
6P C
Elli Sougioultzoglou-Seraidari (Nelly’s): A Pioneer of Greek Photography Elli Sougioultzoglou-Seraidari, known as Nelly’s, was a trailblazing figure in Greek photography. In 1924, she opened her own studio in Athens, making...
Elli Sougioultzoglou-Seraidari (Nelly’s): A Pioneer of Greek Photography
Elli Sougioultzoglou-Seraidari, known as Nelly’s, was a trailblazing figure in Greek photography. In 1924, she opened her own studio in Athens, making her one of the earliest female photographers to gain significant recognition in Greece and internationally. Her studio became a vibrant hub for prominent figures in Greek society, including artists, intellectuals, politicians, and athletes, reflecting her influence and reputation in a predominantly male-dominated industry.
Nelly’s is particularly celebrated for her daring and iconic series of photographs featuring a nude dancer on the Acropolis. These images showcased her unique ability to blend classical beauty with modernist aesthetics, capturing the essence of ancient Greek culture through a contemporary lens. By juxtaposing the timelessness of the Acropolis with the human form, Nelly’s created groundbreaking works that explored themes of beauty, identity, and the passage of time. This innovative approach not only challenged traditional notions of representation but also highlighted her mastery of photographic techniques, making her contributions to the art form both significant and lasting.
Her international acclaim further expanded during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where her dynamic and emotive photographs of Greek athletes showcased the spirit of competition and national pride. Later, Nelly’s continued to innovate in New York, excelling in advertising and portrait photography. Her legacy endures as a symbol of artistic vision and empowerment, marking her as a pivotal figure in the history of Greek photography.
Elli Sougioultzoglou-Seraidari, known as Nelly’s, was a trailblazing figure in Greek photography. In 1924, she opened her own studio in Athens, making her one of the earliest female photographers to gain significant recognition in Greece and internationally. Her studio became a vibrant hub for prominent figures in Greek society, including artists, intellectuals, politicians, and athletes, reflecting her influence and reputation in a predominantly male-dominated industry.
Nelly’s is particularly celebrated for her daring and iconic series of photographs featuring a nude dancer on the Acropolis. These images showcased her unique ability to blend classical beauty with modernist aesthetics, capturing the essence of ancient Greek culture through a contemporary lens. By juxtaposing the timelessness of the Acropolis with the human form, Nelly’s created groundbreaking works that explored themes of beauty, identity, and the passage of time. This innovative approach not only challenged traditional notions of representation but also highlighted her mastery of photographic techniques, making her contributions to the art form both significant and lasting.
Her international acclaim further expanded during the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where her dynamic and emotive photographs of Greek athletes showcased the spirit of competition and national pride. Later, Nelly’s continued to innovate in New York, excelling in advertising and portrait photography. Her legacy endures as a symbol of artistic vision and empowerment, marking her as a pivotal figure in the history of Greek photography.
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