Cypria Auctions is proud to announce the successful sale of the iconic Portrait of Katerina Botsari by Joseph Karl Stieler, which achieved a remarkable hammer price of €210,000, significantly surpassing its estimated value of €90,000 – €180,000. The auction, held on 10 December 2024 at Gallery K in Nicosia, Cyprus, witnessed a dynamic and competitive bidding process with over 14 bids placed on the portrait, further affirming the painting’s immense cultural value. The winning bid secured the artwork for the Museum of Philhellenism in Athens, marking a milestone for both the painting and Cypria Auctions.
In 1983, the portrait was sold at Sotheby’s London, setting an early record for Stieler’s work when it exceeded its estimated price of £6,000 – £8,000, ultimately fetching £55,000. Nearly four decades later, the portrait resurfaced at Cypria Auctions, where it not only set a new record for the Stieler portrait of Katerina Botsari, but also established a new hammer price record for a painting by Stieler.
A Unique Cultural Bridge between Two Museums
Joseph Karl Stieler, the renowned portraitist at the Court of King Ludwig I of Bavaria, painted many of the era’s beauties, whose portraits are displayed at the Gallery of Beauties at Nymphenburg Palace in Munich. It was customary for court artists to paint multiple versions of the same portrait to be distributed across various palaces or sent as gifts to different patrons. The Portrait of Katerina Botsari sold at Cypria Auctions is one of two identical versions by Stieler. While one of the portraits remains in the Nymphenburg Museum in Munich, the other, now acquired by the Museum of Philhellenism in Athens, creates a unique cultural bridge between these two esteemed institutions.
“This sale exemplifies the strength of Cypria Auctions as a leading auction house not just in Cyprus but increasingly in the broader international art market,” said Ritsa Kyriacou, Director of Cypria Auctions. “The successful acquisition of such a historically significant portrait by the Museum of Philhellenism solidifies our position as a trusted platform for collectors and institutions to acquire pieces of great cultural value.”
“We are honoured to bring this important piece of Greek and European cultural history to our museum,” said Constantinos Velentzas, President and Founder of the Museum of Philhellenism in Athens and the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism. “This portrait not only represents Katerina Botsari’s heroism and pivotal role in the Greek War of Independence but also symbolizes the deep ties between Greece and the international philhellenic movement. This acquisition underscores the Museum’s commitment to preserving and highlighting Greece’s profound heritage.”
Katerina Botsari: A Heroine for the Ages
Born in Ioannina between 1818 and 1820, with 1819 being the most widely accepted year, Katerina Botsari’s life was intrinsically tied to the struggle for Greek independence. After her father’s tragic death in battle, Katerina was captured, enslaved, and later freed through a hostage exchange. Despite these hardships, she became a symbol of Greece’s rebirth—rising from the ashes of Ottoman rule.
Katerina’s journey from captivity to becoming a lady-in-waiting to Queen Amalia of Greece, followed by her move to Munich, reflects the profound connection between Greek and European philhellenic movements.
Stieler’s portrait not only captures the Romantic ideals of 19th-century Germany but also embodies the strength and resilience of a woman who represented the ideals of the Greek War of Independence.
With a proven track record of successfully handling high-profile sales, Cypria Auctions has firmly established itself as a premier destination for collectors and institutions alike, showcasing the enduring power of art to connect, inspire, and educate.
For more information about upcoming auctions and notable works at Cypria Auctions, please visit www.cypriaauctions.com or contact info@cypriaauctions.com.
