1903 Chromolithograph of Collapsing Pheidippides, Indy. Journal Supplement Excellent Condition
Copyright 1903
American Colortype Co., CHI & NY.
Unframed image approx. 11 w x 13 h
Framed image: 15 2.5 w x 18 h x 1.5 deep (a few wear spots on frame.)
Painting of Pheidippides as he gave word of the Greek victory over Persia at the Battle of Marathon to the people of Athens.
Pictures of Object – we have included pictures of the chromolithograph outside the frame. One image shows that it is Copyright 1903 American Colortype Co., CHI & NY. The second picture says Suppl Indianapolis Journal. This newspaper closed in 1904.
American Colortype Company in New York was the first firm to print successful facsimile color reproductions on a commercial basis. Founded by Edmund Burke Osborne (1865-1917) who was born in Manchester, Iowa. He attended Simpson College, Iowa and married Jessie Graham whose father's newspaper in Red Oak, Iowa, he took over in 1887 on Mr. Graham's death. Interested in the photo-graphic reproduction of works of art, he moved to the East Coast where he formed the American Colortype Company in New York with offices in Chicago.
About U.S.A. taste 1890-1910. As the 19th century waned and the 20th century opened Classical European paintings, scenes of the American West, still-life, mythology, animals, exotic women, ships, etc. were popular with American consumers. The Greek picture’s mythological content, mirroring the story of Pheidippides fits the description of what the public wanted.
About Sunday Supplements: In the 1890’s major newspapers often included chromolithographs as a means of promoting the paper’s circulation, many of them are illustrations of fine art. The colored reproductions were of good size suitable for framing like the one here.
The Pheidippides story: Despite having recently run 300 miles to/from Sparta and fighting all day in heavy armor, he was sent once again to run from Marathon back to Athens to give news of the Greek victory — a distance of 26 miles. Pheidippides valiantly sprints back, reaches the Athens assembly, and uses his last breath to exclaim, “We have won!”…or in Greek, “Nenikēkamen!” before collapsing to his death from exhaustion. Because of his heroic run, Athens stood strong. The Battle of Marathon was critical in history — it marked the first time the Persian army was no longer seen as invincible, and it allowed for the ushering in of Classical Greek civilization (including democracy) and the basis for Western civilization as we know it.
Special features of this picture’s composition: In addition to Pheidippides, notice the clothing and the statue of Nike. Grecian clothes were artfully arranged pieces of cloth, pinned and tucked into position as shown here. Greek clothes elegance is derived from the careful arrangement of folds and complex arrangements of girdles, strapping or belts. Embroidered patterns such as checks and floral forms were used to embellish the fabric edges to create border effects. The most famous Greek pattern is the Greek key/fret pattern shown here on the purple robes of the most prominent Senator with his ear raised to his hand. A statue of Nike is holding a wreath at top left center. Nike in Greek Mythology was the Goddess of speed, strength and victory. Also known as Winged Goddess, she carries a wreath, ready to crown a victor in battle. Among the many other Greek features in the picture are also relief sculptures on the same ledge as Nike depicting early chariot races.