Both the Legion of Honor and de Young are open to the public. Please read our safety guidelines.
From the time of Alexander the Great to the end of the Roman Empire, kings and emperors used works of art, especially luxury objects in gold, silver, and precious stone, as a means to reinforce their authority. These valuable objects were presented on ceremonial occasions to carefully chosen supporters, military officers, and foreign dignitaries as marks of prestige or as diplomatic gifts. Over time, especially in the later Roman period, an entire bureaucracy arose to handle the production and distribution of imperial gifts, including gold medallions and jewelry, silver plate, and ivories. Ancient Luxury and the Roman Silver Treasure from Berthouville exhibition includes many such works, which will be explored in this lecture.
About Programs at the Ancient Art Council
Programs are varied and include such activities as lectures by noted archaeologists, museum curators, and ancient art historians; exclusive tours of the Museum’s permanent collection and special exhibitions; fund-raising events; and travel programs to ancient sites and other museums. Members also receive invitations from related organizations to attend lectures ad exhibition openings. Your annual membership dues and contributions will assist in furthering the Ancient Art collection at the Fine Arts Museums.
PROGRAM
November 7, 2015 at 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Luxury Objects and Political Power: From Hellenistic Greece to Imperial Rome
Florence Gould Theater, Legion of Honor
Presented by Jeffrey Spier Senior Curator of Antiquities, The J. Paul Getty Museum
Admission:
AAC members free / General public $5 suggested donation
