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The collection of the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation #1
The Collection of the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation. Vol. 1: Modern Art 1870-1945
The first volume featuring the collection of the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation is dedicated to modern art from 1870 to 1945. Spanning some 600 pages the catalogue presents each work of art in detail and also includes a chronology.
The Collection of the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation is one of the most important private collections to be assembled in the course of the second half of the 20th century.
Like all collections, the present one is eminently subjective. Although Basil and Elise Goulandris were surrounded by renowned historians and professionals from the art market already in the early 1950s, the couple chose these works following the criteria of their own personal tastes and aesthetic standards. They built their collection with care, patience and true devotion over a period of nearly fifty years and this with the aim that it would one day be exhibited in their museum.
Published by Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation
The Collection of the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation is one of the most important private collections to be assembled in the course of the second half of the 20th century.
Like all collections, the present one is eminently subjective. Although Basil and Elise Goulandris were surrounded by renowned historians and professionals from the art market already in the early 1950s, the couple chose these works following the criteria of their own personal tastes and aesthetic standards. They built their collection with care, patience and true devotion over a period of nearly fifty years and this with the aim that it would one day be exhibited in their museum.
Published by Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation
560 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2019
4 people want to read
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November 15, 2025
In December 2019, I was in Athens and, more or less by chance, came across a museum of modern art. It turned out to be dedicated to the collection of Basil and Elise Goulandris. I was amazed at the quality and breadth of the visual arts on display, both sculptures and paintings. The collectors themselves had excellent taste and had good advisors. The space allotted to the artworks in the museum also offers the opportunity to fully experience them.
Then there is the author and editor of the book. Marie Koutsomallis-Moreau studies applied mathematics in Paris, she has a master’s degree in Strategy at the ESCP business school, a master’s degree in Marketing and Strategy at Université Paris Dauphine and last but not least she is master of arts in Art History at the Paris’ Sorbonne Université. For more than a decade she is manager and head of collections of the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation.
And then there's this book. To call this book merely a catalog doesn't do justice to its content. Most of the text accompanying each of the artworks discussed in the book is an essay; these don't simply provide a description, but the author also discusses the artist in the context of their origins, artistic circles and style(s), social milieu, and sometimes even the political situation the artist faced. The artworks are placed within a flexible framework of inspiration, the artist's own principles, and influences to which they were a reaction, as well as their significance for later artists. The author also features numerous other people who have spoken about the artworks. The included images are not only praiseworthy in their own right but also adequately illustrate the text. Therefore, photographer Christoforos Doulgeris also deserves a mention on the GR book page. The book includes extensive documentation detailing the journey each artwork has made, including relevant literature.
I can only speak highly of this book. It boasts rich, high-quality content that has been carefully compiled and designed. JM
Then there is the author and editor of the book. Marie Koutsomallis-Moreau studies applied mathematics in Paris, she has a master’s degree in Strategy at the ESCP business school, a master’s degree in Marketing and Strategy at Université Paris Dauphine and last but not least she is master of arts in Art History at the Paris’ Sorbonne Université. For more than a decade she is manager and head of collections of the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation.
And then there's this book. To call this book merely a catalog doesn't do justice to its content. Most of the text accompanying each of the artworks discussed in the book is an essay; these don't simply provide a description, but the author also discusses the artist in the context of their origins, artistic circles and style(s), social milieu, and sometimes even the political situation the artist faced. The artworks are placed within a flexible framework of inspiration, the artist's own principles, and influences to which they were a reaction, as well as their significance for later artists. The author also features numerous other people who have spoken about the artworks. The included images are not only praiseworthy in their own right but also adequately illustrate the text. Therefore, photographer Christoforos Doulgeris also deserves a mention on the GR book page. The book includes extensive documentation detailing the journey each artwork has made, including relevant literature.
I can only speak highly of this book. It boasts rich, high-quality content that has been carefully compiled and designed. JM
Displaying 1 of 1 review