Nikopolis 1913

Thalia Flora-Karavia made this pencil drawing of Nikopolis, an ancient city in Epirus, Greece. As a woman artist in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Flora-Karavia navigated a male-dominated art world, and her travels throughout Europe and the Ottoman Empire influenced her artistic perspective. This sketch captures the stark beauty of the ancient ruins, rendered with delicate lines and a focus on light and shadow. Nikopolis, founded by Octavian Augustus, holds layers of history, embodying both Roman power and Greek cultural heritage. Flora-Karavia’s choice to depict these ruins invites reflection on the passage of time and the enduring presence of the past. As you observe the detailed rendering, consider how Flora-Karavia's personal experiences as a woman artist might have shaped her interpretation, emphasizing the emotional and sensory experience of encountering such a historically charged site. The sketch not only reflects a specific location but also provides a glimpse into the artist's journey of identity and exploration.