Dr. Polyvia Parara publishes second article on the Classical Bouquet

Uncovering the Classical Bouquet’s role in shaping modern views of Crete and freedom.

Dr. Parara’s research on the rare volume Classical Bouquet (1855), which she first brought to light in 2014-2016 from the Smithsonian Institution’s collection, sheds light on the reception of the classical world by modernity and also shed light in Cretan history since its author, Elisavet Contaxaki, was highly involved in Cretan politics under the administration of Veley Pasha in Crete. This publication represents her second article on The Classical Bouquet.

The article examines late 19th-century perspectives on the Cretan Question, diplomacy, and politics through the writings of Elisavet Contaxaki, Carroll Spence, and Bayard Taylor. It explores their alignment with contemporary portrayals of Veley Pasha as an enlightened ruler, while also noting important ideological differences. In particular, Contaxaki’s shift from opposing Ottoman despotism to supporting Veley’s administration appears to reflect a liberal—yet not democratic—intellectual framework.

More broadly, the study critiques Western liberal interpretations of Greek political life, emphasizing the contrast with Greek traditions of collective self-government. It also highlights how Western elites, shaped by classical antiquity through a liberal lens, often failed to grasp the Cretans’ historically grounded and revolutionary understanding of freedom.

Read more at 13ICCS Proceedings and 12ICCS Proceedings.