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Reconstructing Antiquity

September 21, 2010 Through June 3, 2012

In the Permanent Collection Galleries

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Darius Painter, Volute krater
Photo Credit: 

Courtesy of the Yale University Art Gallery

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Maker Unknown (Roman), Faustina the Elder
Photo Credit: 

Petegorsky/Gipe

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Volute krater, ca. 330 BCE

Darius Painter (South Italian, Apulian)
Red-figure
Yale University Art Gallery

Darius Painter, Volute krater

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Faustina the Elder, second half of the 2nd century CE

Maker Unknown (Roman; Imperial)
Marble
MH 1997.15

Maker Unknown (Roman), Faustina the Elder

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Installation view

Antiquities from the Yale University Art Gallery
and the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum

Reconstructing Antiquity gallery view

How does one gain an understanding of antiquity from looking at works of art? In a series of thematic groupings of objects from ancient Greece and Rome, Reconstructing Antiquity explores daily life in the ancient world, representations of ancient women, and aspects of storytelling and mythology.

Each object in Reconstructing Antiquity possesses a story that traces a unique path through the passage of time, from its creation and original use to its eventual excavation, discovery, preservation, and display. The exhibition provides viewers with the tools needed to unravel these complex histories and consider the problems, consequences, and benefits of piecing together their stories.

Occupying three gallery spaces, 40 objects from Yale join 30 objects from Mount Holyoke for this exhibition that offers the viewer new appreciation for some of each institution’s most celebrated ancient gems, as well as those less frequently seen from among their deep holdings.

Born from an innovative collection-sharing agreement initiated by the Yale University Art Gallery, Reconstructing Antiquity is supported by a generous grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Explore the exhibition with the new online discovery tool or visit the galleries to take the iPad tour.