This original poster was designed in 1965 by celebrated Greek graphic artist Michalis Katzourakis for the Athens and Epidaurus Festival. This German-language edition, entitled Athener Festspiele, announces the festival programme held from 1 July to 26 September 1965.
The composition features a boldly rendered black owl perched upon a white musical stave. Associated with the goddess Athena and the city of Athens, the owl becomes an instantly recognisable symbol of Greek culture, while the musical notes evoke the festival’s programme of theatre, opera, music and dance.
Set against an intense red background, the expressive brushwork of the owl contrasts beautifully with the clean sans-serif typography and precise musical lines. This poster printed in lithograph demonstrates the clarity, economy and visual impact characteristic of post-war Greek modernist design.
Founded in 1955, the Athens and Epidaurus Festival became one of Greece’s most important international cultural events. Its performances were staged in historic settings including the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens and the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, bringing together classical heritage and contemporary performance.
Michalis Katzourakis studied painting with André Lhote and graphic design with Paul Colin in Paris before becoming artistic consultant to the Greek National Tourism Organisation. This striking original poster is a highly decorative and collectible example of 1960s Greek graphic design, ideal for collectors of cultural, theatrical and modernist posters.
Original Poster
Music - Owl - Show - Greece
Athens Festival - Text in German
Printed by Contogenis-Malicoutis in Greece
Good condition, creases, tears on the edges
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