Hadrian’s Library Colonnade and the Cat in Athens

Print description

Hadrian is one of my favourite historical characters. His legacy in Athens is vast. This prints records a moment from my visit to Athens at Hadrian’s Library.

Print details

To create this print, I start by crafting individual drawings in ink, which collectively form a collage comprising the final piece. I scan my drawings and digitally add colour. The original design solely exists in digital format, and I print it using archival inks and paper. I then release my design as a limited edition print, available in standard ‘A’ sizes, ranging from A0 (84.1 cm x 118.9 cm) to A4 (21 x 29.7 cm).

Hadrian and cats

Emperor Hadrian, a passionate admirer of Greek culture, spent significant time in Athens, restoring ancient buildings and walking among the ruins. Cats were already part of daily life in both ancient Greece and Rome—quietly present, keeping to the shadows, watching as empires rose and fell. While there’s no record of Hadrian’s relationship with cats, it’s a gentle thought to imagine them weaving between the columns of the Agora as he passed, much like they do today. The same cats, or their descendants, still linger in the ruins—silent witnesses to centuries of history

Hadrian’s Library

Hadrian’s Library, built in 132 CE by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, stood as a grand cultural complex in the heart of ancient Athens. It housed not only scrolls and texts but also lecture halls, gardens, and a central courtyard for philosophical discussions. The structure was richly decorated with marble columns and ornate details, reflecting Hadrian’s admiration for Greek learning and architecture. Although damaged over centuries by invasions and earthquakes, parts of the library still stand today, quietly embedded in the modern city.