Statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis

The ‘Old Man of Moria’

Theodoros Kolokotronis (1770-1843), born in Messenia, was one of the most influential figures of the Greek Revolution. Known with the nickname ‘Old Man of Moria’, he played a leading role in major military operations of the Revolution, such as the siege of Tripolitsa and the crushing defeat of Dramalis at Dervenakia. Thanks to the successful outcome of these operations, he was appointed commander-in-chief.  He was accused of conspiracy against the Regency, i.e., the Bavarian government while Otto was still a minor, and accused of high treason. His historical trial took place in the Vouleftiko in Nafplio in 1834. In 1836, he dictated his memoirs to Georgios Tertsetis, one of the two judges who had refused to sign the decree for his execution. He died in 1843 in Athens.

What are the characteristics of the sculpture?

The bronze equestrian statue of Theodoros Kolokotronis is the work of the sculptor Lazaros Sochos from Tinos, and was the first equestrian statue installed in the modern Greek state. There is an identical copy of the statue by the same artist in Athens.Kolokotronis is depicted upon his horse, looking stern and sitting upright, as though heading towards the battlefield, armed, and wearing the traditional clothing of fighters of that era. The horse is rendered in a strong galloping stance. The contrasting movement of Kolokotronis' head to the left and back as if urging the Greeks to fight, as well as his outstretched right hand indicating the Greeks’ goal of fighting for their freedom, together serve to enhance the mobility and dynamism of the sculpture and emphasize the leadership and exuberant personality of the hero.The sculptor adopts elements which idealize the hero and indicate his status as a national symbol, while at the same time combining the ideal with the realistic, by focusing on details of both the rider and the horse: Emphasis is given to Kolokotronis’ physical characteristics, such as his hair and think moustache, the expression on his face, the impressive look of his uniform and helmet, and also to details of the horse, such as its rich mane and the tassels on the saddle.

When was the work commissioned and installed?

The statue was crafted in 1895 and installed with great ceremony on 23nd April 1901. The costs for the erection of the statue and the celebration following its unveiling had been raised by means of a pan-Greece fundraising campaign, which started in 1877. The statue is located in Kolokotronis Park next to the Old Railroad Station, and placed so that the hero is pointing towards Dervenakia, reminding viewers of the great victory during the struggle for independence.