Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-10-16

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] 'El Greco' exhibition opens in Athens

[01] 'El Greco' exhibition opens in Athens

"Culture is the bridge linking people in space and time in a common course. It is the strongest instrument which we dispose in the continuous struggle for the final and definite substitution of conflict by cooperation, of intolerance by solidarity, of suspicion by mutual trust between men and nations," Karamanlis said in an address.

"Domenicos Theotocopoulos is a great bridge-builder. . .His work is yet another strong historical and cultural bond between the peoples of Spain and Greece," the premier added.

"We live in a period in which humanity in its entirety is striving for values and ideals which will allow it not only to survive on the planet but to also unite forces for a better future for all. The duty of countries like Greece and Spain is crystal clear: to capitalise on our culture's tremendous legacy as a source for giving sense and inspiration to our common action," Karamanlis said.

The exhibition, which is organised under the auspices of President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias, is entitled ?El Greco and his workshop? and will be open for the public until Jan. 6, 2008. It includes paintings by two of his disciples, his son Jorge Manuel Theotocopuli (1578-1631) and Luis Trist?n (ca. 1585-1624), as well as works attributed to lesser-known artists who had studied under the Toledo master.

A total of 56 paintings from Spain�s famed Prado Museum and other major museums have been assembled for the exhibition. Eight of the paintings are signed by El Greco himself, while among the exhibits are also documents signed by the artist, such as his house lease, a will, etc.

The exhibition is held at the initiative of Spain�s ambassador to Greece Juan Ramon Martinez Salazar.

In another development, the official premier of the ambitious Greek-Spanish film ?El Greco?, focusing on the life and times of Domenicos Theotocopoulos, was screened in Athens on Monday evening before an audience that included visiting Queen Sophia, Greek President Karolos Papoulias and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

The event comes after a ?sneak preview? in Irakleio, Crete earlier in the month in honour of the artist�s Cretan lineage, according to director Iannis Smaragdis.

The title role is played by British actor Nick Ashdon, with music by Vangelis.

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