Statue of the Macedonian Gladiator Kotta
Statue of the Macedonian Gladiator Kotta
Sculpted by the sculptor Dimitris Kalamaras in 1960
The statue of the Macedonian Gladiator Cottas, sculpted by sculptor Dimitris Kalamaras in 1960, is located in Villa Kapantzis in Thessaloniki. The work belongs to the collection of the National Bank of Greece Cultural Foundation and is distinguished for its abstract approach. Although it does not realistically depict the figure of Cottas, it manages to express the pain and dynamism of the heroic Macedonian gladiator, giving him an 'airy' appearance.
Kottas, also known as 'Eagle of Korestia' or 'Kottas Roulias', was a Slavic-speaking Greek chieftain who played a decisive role in the Macedonian Struggle. The choice of abstract style in the statue underlines the emotions and sense of mission of the hero, despite the difficulties he faced.
Villa Kapantzis, where the statue is located, is a historic building in Thessaloniki that hosts various cultural and artistic events. The location of the statue in this space reinforces the link between historical memory and the contemporary cultural life of the city.
