Description

Zappas 1889 Olympics Winner's Diploma Scarce partly-printed DS in Greek, one page, 18″ x 18″, June 1889. An official winner’s diploma from the Zappas Olympics of 1889, which was issued to influential Greek painter Georgios Roilos, “exhibitor of the Athenian municipality in Attika of Voiotia for...[his] distinguished portrait.” Signed in the lower right corner by the president of the Olympian committee, "A. Valetas." Mounted to an overall size of 24.75″ x 21.5″. In very good to fine condition, with scattered creasing and edgewear, including tears and paper loss, most significantly to the full extent of the left edge, which has been artistically restored with ink; the document’s bold lettering and beautiful engravings continue to shine brightly in spite of its 134-year-old age. Diplomas from the Zappas Olympics, important precursors to our modern games, are exceedingly rare and virtually unobtainable, this being the first and only example that we have ever offered. Georgios Roilos (1867-1928) was one of the most important and influential Greek painters of the late 19th-early 20th century. He belonged to the so-called ‘Munich School’ and his major works include historical topics, portraits, and scenes of everyday life. Sponsored by Evangelis Zappas (1800-1865), a Greek patriot, businessman, and philanthropist, the Zappas Olympics was a series of athletic events held in Athens designed to reintroduce a modern version of the ancient games into the nation of Greece. The first was held in 1859, while the other three—1870, 1875, and 1888—were held posthumously in Zappas’ honor. Although not an international event, the Zappas Olympics were significant to the Games of today, as the modern arrangement of gold, silver, and bronze medals serving as awards for first, second, and third prizes was established according to the original plan of the Zappas Olympics.

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Zappas 1889 Olympics Winner's Diploma Scarce partly-printed DS in Greek, one page, 18″ x 18″, June 1889. An official winner’s diploma from the Zappas Olympics of 1889, which was issued to influential Greek painter Georgios Roilos, “exhibitor of the Athenian municipality in Attika of Voiotia for...[his] distinguished portrait.” Signed in the lower right corner by the president of the Olympian committee, "A. Valetas." Mounted to an overall size of 24.75″ x 21.5″. In very good to fine condition, with scattered creasing and edgewear, including tears and paper loss, most significantly to the full extent of the left edge, which has been artistically restored with ink; the document’s bold lettering and beautiful engravings continue to shine brightly in spite of its 134-year-old age. Diplomas from the Zappas Olympics, important precursors to our modern games, are exceedingly rare and virtually unobtainable, this being the first and only example that we have ever offered. Georgios Roilos (1867-1928) was one of the most important and influential Greek painters of the late 19th-early 20th century. He belonged to the so-called ‘Munich School’ and his major works include historical topics, portraits, and scenes of everyday life. Sponsored by Evangelis Zappas (1800-1865), a Greek patriot, businessman, and philanthropist, the Zappas Olympics was a series of athletic events held in Athens designed to reintroduce a modern version of the ancient games into the nation of Greece. The first was held in 1859, while the other three—1870, 1875, and 1888—were held posthumously in Zappas’ honor. Although not an international event, the Zappas Olympics were significant to the Games of today, as the modern arrangement of gold, silver, and bronze medals serving as awards for first, second, and third prizes was established according to the original plan of the Zappas Olympics.

Estimate 15 000 - 20 000 USD
Starting price 1 000 USD

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For sale on Thursday 18 Jul - 18:00 (EDT)
amherst, United States
RR Auction
+16037324284
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Greg Louganis Signed Winner's Medal Diplomas from the Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympics Marvelous set of three official diplomas issued to legendary American diver Greg Louganis at the Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympics, including his two gold medal winner’s diplomas and his athlete’s participation diploma, each 14 x 15, each signed in blue felt tip by Louganis. The winner’s diplomas are both calligraphically inscribed to “Gregory Louganis, United States of America,” for “First Place” in the respective events of “Swimming - Platform Diving” and “Diving - Men’s Springboard,” with the lower portion of both bearing autopen signatures of four Olympic committee members (Juan Antonio Samaranch, Paul Ziffren, Peter V. Ueberroth, and Harry L. Usher) and the upper portion bearing the iconic ‘Stars in Motion’ logo for the Games of the XXIII Olympiad. The participation diploma is also inscribed to “Gregory Louganis” and bears printed Olympic committee signatures below. Includes an original diploma envelope from the 1984 LA Olympics. In overall fine condition. At only 16 years of age, Greg Louganis earned his first Olympic medal when he placed second in the men’s 10-meter platform diving competition at the Montreal 1976 Summer Olympics. The boycott of the 1980 Moscow Games forced Louganis to wait eight years before his next Olympic opportunity in 1984. In his hugely anticipated return, Louganis amazed Los Angeles spectators by taking gold in both diving events: 3-meter springboard and 10-meter platform. Four years later, he won two more golds at the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics, thus becoming the only man and the second diver in Olympic history to sweep the diving events in consecutive Olympic Games.