When it comes to ancient sculptures, many people immediately think of a clean and pure impression. However, did you know that these ancient sculptures were once colorful? The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is currently hosting a special exhibition titled “Chroma: Ancient Sculpture in Color,” showcasing experts’ research on the colors of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture collections. The exhibition uses technology to recreate the colors of some of the museum’s most renowned Greek and Roman sculptures, revealing the original appearance of these historical artifacts.
The exhibition explores the ancient practice and use of multiple colors, highlighting cutting-edge scientific methods used to identify ancient colors, and explores how colors helped convey meaning in ancient times, as well as how ancient multicolored objects were understood by contemporary people. It discusses polychromy, the ancient practice of painting, gilding, silvering, and inlaying decorative sculptures.
From Roman emperor busts to the lion-headed human figures from around 530 BC, experts will use rigorous art historical research and 3D imaging technology to reconnect viewers to the traditional drawing techniques of Greece and Rome.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has selected three reconstructed works by the curatorial team of the Liebieghaus Skulpturensammlung in Germany, as well as 22 artworks from the Met’s collection. Highlights include a multi-colored watercolor reconstruction of famous sculptures from the Acropolis in Athens, a painted Greek warrior vase, and artworks from ancient Egypt, the Italian Renaissance, and 19th century America, all of which have a place alongside the multi-colored sculptures of Greece and Rome.
In addition, viewers can experience a virtual reconstruction of a full-color ancient Greek sphinx sculpture in space through AR, and compare it with the physical object in front of them. This project offers an interesting explanation that helps everyone understand the collaborative work between scientists, imaging experts, conservators, technology specialists, art historians, and curators.
“Chroma: Ancient Sculpture in Colour”
Date: From now until March 26, 2023
Location: The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, USA
Image source and learn more: Metropolitan Museum of Art
