Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5. BRONZE COLLECTION
Many of the greatest Archaic and Classical works were bronze, but few remain - most
were melted down for weapons during invasions. This, the richest collection of the
survivors, includes a majestic 460 BC sculpture of Poseidon or Zeus and this 140 BC
sculpture of a galloping horse.
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6. CLASSICAL STATUARY
Collected here are original marble sculptures from temples all around Greece. High-
lights are those that adorned the Asklepion at Epidauros, and works like the 100
BC Diadoumenos and a marble copy of a 5th-century bronze by the great sculptor
Polykleitos.
7. GRAVE STELAE
Classical marble grave sculptures were so large and opulent that they were actually
banned in 317 BC. The scenes in these beautiful carvings typically show the deceased
on the right, the bereaved on the left.
8. ARCHAIC KOROI, 7TH CENTURY BC-480 BC
Koroi
(statues of youths and maidens used at temples and graves) were the first mo-
numental works in Greek art. The earliest are stiff and stylized, but through the cen-
turies the artists learnt to depict the body more naturalistically.
9. VASE COLLECTION
These intricately painted vases show the development of pottery in Greece from Neo-
lithic examples to the 4th century BC. They were largely found in cemeteries and re-
ligious sanctuaries.
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10. EGYPTIAN WING
This collection, ranging from the Neolithic period to the end of the Roman era, is fas-
cinating to view in conjunction with the earliest Greek Archaic art, which borrowed
heavily from Egyptian statuary before developing into its very own style. Look out for
the 715 BC bronze statue of Takusit.
