Dora d’ Istria, the pioneering Romanian Philhellene and her only known painting
The SHP and the Philhellenism Museum, in collaboration with the Embassy of Romania in the Hellenic Republic, organized on June 11th, 2026 a cultural event dedicated to the prominent personality of Dora d’ Istria (Elena Ghica), one of the most distinguished Romanian and European personalities who left their mark on the intellectual life of the 19th century.
Dora d’Istria, the literary pseudonym of Elena Ghica (1828-1888), was a great author, a pioneer of women’s emancipation, and a constant supporter of cultural dialogue between nations in promoting the right to freedom and equality.
The event took place at the Philhellenism Museum in Athens and brought together Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Greece, representatives of the Greek cultural, religious and academic community and of the local authorities, members of the Romanian community, and numerous guests interested in the shared cultural heritage of Romania and Greece.
The programme opened with introductory speech about the distinguished Philhellene Elena Ghica by Mr. Constantinos Velentzas, Founder and President of the Philhellenism Museum and of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism. A special moment of the evening was the presentation by Mr. Velentzas, for the first time in Greece, of a unique landscape, the only known painting created by Dora d’ Istria, acquired by the Philhellenism Museum last year, highlighting a lesser-known dimension of her artistic personality.
In her address, H.E. Mrs. Carmen-Ileana Mihălcescu, Ambassador of Romania to the Hellenic Republic, emphasized Dora d’ Istria’s exceptional contribution to European culture, her advocacy for education and women’s rights, and her role in fostering intercultural dialogue throughout Europe and the region. The Ambassador underlined the enduring relevance of the legacy of Dora d’ Istria, founded on the values of freedom, knowledge, human dignity, and mutual understanding among nations.
This was followed by the presentation by professor of the University of Athens, Mr. Yiannis Deligiannis, which focused on the close connection of Dora d’ Istria with Greece, her philhellenic activity and the influence of Greek culture on European culture.
The event further featured the inauguration of an exhibition of paintings by Romanian artist Ana Iulia Miheșan, inspired by themes of identity, heritage, and cultural connection. The exhibition created a meaningful dialogue between contemporary artistic expression and the humanist values promoted by Dora d’Istria throughout her life. The exhibition by Iulia Miheșan can be visited at the Philhellenism Museum until 22 June 2026.
Information: info@phmus.org
