Ioannis Kapodistrias

This is a statue in honour of the first Governor of the country, Ioannis Kapodistrias. In 1929, following an artistic competition, the Senate of the University of Athens commissioned the work to the sculptor Georgios Bonanos from Kefalonia. On December 20th, 1931, the statue was festively unveiled and the wish of the 5th National Assembly of 1832 to erect a statue in honour and memory of the first Governor of Greece was finally fulfilled. During the unveiling, the nationwide fundraiser that was held was also mentioned, thanks to which 470,000 drachmas were collected for the creation of the monument. Ioannis Kapodistrias is depicted in European costume, seated, with his right leg crossed over his left at ankle level, his head turned slightly to the left and his gaze fixed straight ahead. In his left hand he holds a book with the inscription “Seize education” in Greek, a symbol that demonstrates the Governor's leading work in the field of education, but also his indirect connection with the founding of the University. The sculptor signs with the phrase: “Geor. Bonanos sculpting a head” in Greek.