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Thera Wall Paintings Copies P. Nomikos Museum
The life-sized three-dimensional wall-paintings reproduced and exhibited here were sponsored by the "Thera Foundation, Petros M. Nomikos", and produced in France by Transfer Relief SA, using the Kodak Pathé process. Other similar Kodak Pathé commissions have been funded by the Getty Museum of California and the French government for the Egyptian tomb of Sennefer and the Lascaux Caves, respectively.
The manufacturing of these images involved a long, complex, and laborious process which necessitated the transfer of photographic emulsions onto a synthetic substrate that exactly replicates that of the original wall-painting plaster. This substrate was generated from a stereo-photogram of the original wall-painting in much that same way satellite imagery is used to render computerized topography in 3D.
Following the completion of the substrate, the photographic emulsion was then bonded to create the wall-paintings presented in the museum and shown in this album. Each image in the museum is rendered in a 1/1 scale, and has been stereo photographed using 20x25 cm. negatives so as to reduce peripheral image distortion and provide the very highest resolution. The results are exceptionally realistic and accurate, and this exhibition in Fira remains the only place where one can view, enjoy and study all of the wall-paintings of Thera.
For more detailed information about the technical and artistic aspects of the wall-paintings restoration please consult The Petros Nomikos Museum of Wall-Paintings of Akrotiri : A detailed reference for the inquisitive traveller.
Photos: Michael Tziotis
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Click on any of the pictures to enlarge.
Miniature Frieze, West House Room Nr 5, North, South, East and West wallThe 'Miniature Frieze" once decorated the upper zone of room 5, running on all four walls. The composition is thought to represent a long overseas voyage by the Theran fleet. The voyage seems to start in a town, possibly Akrotiri. Unfortunately, very little of this portion of the Frieze remains. Four other distinct Mediterranean ports are depicted in the Frieze; we assume that these are the ports of call made by the Theran fleet during its expedition.
The "Miniature Frieze" forms the most complete and informative depiction of seaside settlements during the Bronze Age. It provides archaeologists and historians with a wealth of information on the harbor and vessel designs of the period.
“Miniature Frieze”, Plan of the site it was found
West House Room Nr 5, North. South, East and West walls |
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Miniature Frieze: Assembly on the Hill and Shipwreck
West House Room Nr 5 North wall H. 0.45 / L. 0.86 m
A coastal town is represented on the northern wall. In this composition, several different scenes are portrayed.
The middle left section of the Frieze shows men wearing armaments typical of Bronze Age Aegean warriors. In the top left section, above the warriors, sits a herd of goats as if corralled. Beneath the warriors is a detailed depiction of drowning men and wrecked ships, possibly casualties from a naval battle. To the left of the Frieze is a gathering of men on a hill; formally dressed, they seem to compose an assembly. Minoan shrines and votive offerings have been found on hill-tops throughout the Aegean, indicating that they were places of religious gathering.
In contrast to the formality of battle and assembly, the center portion of the Frieze portrays images of women collecting water from a well in what seems to be a domestic snap-shot. |
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Miniature Frieze: Assembly on the Hill and Shipwreck (Detail)
West House Room Nr 5 North wall H. 0.45 / L. 0.86 m
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Miniature Frieze: Assembly on the Hill and Shipwreck (Detail)
West House Room Nr 5 North wall H. 0.45 / L. 0.86 m |
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Miniature Frieze: Assembly on the Hill and Shipwreck (Detail)
West House Room Nr 5 North wall H. 0.45 / L. 0.86 m |
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Miniature Frieze: The River
West House Room Nr 5, East wall Height 0.21 m, Length 1m
While neither the beginning nor the end of this section of the Frieze has been preserved, the flora and fauna themes, including those of hunting animals, link this wall-painting to the town depicted in the “Flotilla” scene of the “Miniature Frieze”.
In this detailed composition, there are exotic animals and plants. Ducks, jackals, and even a mythical Griffin move along the palm fringed river-bank. The artist painted well-groomed and cultivated palm trees representative of Man's intervention in the otherwise wild landscape.
This section of the Frieze is thought to portray a long stop in the voyage of the fleet. During this layover, the crew may have had the opportunity to explore the town and hinterland, bringing back images and stories from the interior. |
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Miniature Frieze: The River (Detail)
West House Room Nr 5, East wall Height 0.21 m, Length 1m |
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Miniature Frieze: The River (Detail)
West House Room Nr 5, East wall Height 0.21 m, Length 1m |
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Miniature Frieze: The River (Detail)
West House Room Nr 5, East wall Height 0.21 m, Length 1m |
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Miniature Frieze: Flotilla
West House Room 5, South wall, H. 0.43 / L. 3.90 m.
This southern section is thought to represent the last and final voyage in the adventures of the Theran fleet. To the left is the town from which the fleet departed and to the right of the Frieze is what is thought to be Akrotiri, the fleet's home port.
The Flotilla is comprised of seven large ships moving in two parallel rows, one above the other. However, only one is seen in full sail. Captains, passengers, and rowers are meticulously depicted in the lead vessel. The captain, whose head is barely visible, sits within the Ikria, a light box-like hide and wood construction, positioned at the stern of each vessel. The figures within these vessels sit formally, as if they are ready to formally receive a gathering of people on the coast of the hometown.
It is important to note that various animals and floral motifs decorate the bowsprit and masts of the vessels. A possible interpretation is that each symbol, image, or combination thereof might represent a form of heraldry distinct to the captains who were part of this expedition. This decorative vocabulary is particularly pronounced on the vessel that is fourth from the left; here the columns of the Ιkria terminate in beautifully shaped lilies, while flowers, pearls, and butterflies adorn the hull and rigging. (See model of Theran vessel).
(This Photo is an effort of showing the whole Frieze by merging seven partial photos of it; these photos follow) |
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Miniature Frieze: Flotilla1 |
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Miniature Frieze: Flotilla2 |
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Miniature Frieze: Flotilla3 |
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Miniature Frieze: Flotilla4 |
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Miniature Frieze: Flotilla5 |
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Miniature Frieze: Flotilla6 |
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Miniature Frieze: Flotilla7 |
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Model of the ships shown in the Miniature Frieze
The decorative butterfly is also reproduced! |
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Model of the ships shown in the Miniature Frieze
Another photo of the ship model, this one including the very "Flotilla" wall-painting! |
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