As a tribute to the most acclaimed Greek woman of the modern times, who passed away 40 years ago, on 16 September 1977, at the age of 53, Theocharakis Foundation presents a unique exhibition with more than two hundred personal objects belonging to Maria Callas, gathered together by the collector Nikos Charalabopoulos.

Gold ‘Bulgari’ diamond clutch of the ’50s, with the old logo of the house, written with ‘U’ instead of’V’, containing a golden lipstick and a powder case.

A golden chain that Aristotle Onassis kept wearing, with a gold pendant with Virgin Mary and a gold cigar cutter, gifts from Callas to him.

Portrait in oil of Callas, by the Italian painter Vandini, based on a photographic portrait of her. This painting is the first portrait of Callas’ – she owned some 7-8 – decorating all her houses. It is shown together with a fine artistic photo of Callas, which probably served as an inspiration to the painter who created it.

The first autograph of Maria Callas. This photo of the then 15 year old Marianna Kalogeropoulou had been dedicated to her first song teacher in Greece, Maria Trivella, with the following note, expressing her gratitude: “To my beloved teacher to whom I owe everything”. This autograph of Callas, widely published in many of her biographies and articles about her, shows the self confidence of young Marianna Kalogeropoulou and dedication to make her dreams come true, a rather unusual move for a young student to sign autographs.
Exhibition curators: Fotis Papathanasiou, Nikos Charalabopoulos
Until 29 October 2017
Open:
Monday, Tuesday,Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00-18:00
Thursday: 10:00-20:00 (October-May)
Closed:1-25 August
B. & M. THEOCHARAKIS FOUNDATION
Vas. Sofias 9 & Merlin 110671, Athens. Tel: 210 3611206
www.thf.gr