For the first time, an exhibition of artifacts from another country is presented together with the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum
The 161 Cycladic figurines of the Stern collection, which were lent by the Greek state to the Metropolitan Museum of New York, were yesterday admired by those who attended the opening of the exhibition of the entire collection in its first public appearance.
The exhibition of 161 artifacts of the Cycladic Civilization is symbolically presented in the first large hall of the Metropolitan Museum, as an introduction to the wing of the Greco-Roman world. For the first time, an exhibition of artifacts from another country is presented together with the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum.
It concerns all the works of the Cycladic Culture (statues, candelabra, etc.) of Cycladic figurines, which were illegally exported and returned to the country that created them, with an exemplary Agreement, which was ratified by law 4968/2022, making the Greek state their exclusive owner.
The exhibits include some early forms of the Neolithic period, as well as the major types of Cycladic figurines (biologism, Plastiras, hybrids, Lourou, pre-regular and regular with variations such as Kapsala type, Early and late Spedos, Dokathismi and Koumasa), large-sized marble figurines but and rare types, such as double figurines of the early Spede type, as well as metal objects, such as a large bronze ax and a pair of bracelets.
The figurines range from miniatures to the large statue of a woman, one of the few works of Cycladic monumental sculpture comparable to those found in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Among other things, some clay vessels are exhibited, such as a pan-shaped vessel, and many intact marble vessels, such as flasks, basins, cups, palettes and the characteristic “candles”, but also a unique compass made of chlorite slate, from the same period.
In addition to the Agreement, within the framework of the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Culture, the Metropolitan Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art, important research and educational activities are included, as well as actions for the study and promotion of the emblematic Proto-Cycladic culture, such as scholarships for Greek scientists – the the first one is planned to be announced in September 2024 – the organization of an international archaeological Symposium, to examine issues of origin and authenticity of the Cycladic figurines that do not come from excavation research.
The above complements the wider and comprehensive plan of the Ministry of Culture for the research and promotion of Cycladic antiquities, which includes the establishment and operation of the Museum of Cycladic Culture in Naxos, a project which is ongoing by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades, with resources from the NSRF and completion horizon in 2026, as well as the establishment and operation of the Cycladic Culture Study Center as an annex of the said Museum.
The aim of the establishment and operation of the study and maintenance laboratory of the Study Center is the essential and thorough documentation of the physicochemical properties of ancient materials, with rapid and immediate reception of reliable and calibrated analyzes and results. The research data will contribute to the adequate and safe implementation of conservation interventions on the antiquities, while at the same time they will have a decisive contribution to the resolution of issues related to the authenticity and origin of the objects of the Cycladic Culture, which concerns the international scientific community and museums in Worldwide.
Source :Skai
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