Why does New York's Metropolitan Museum have one of the world's largest collections of ancient Mediterranean art? Focusing on the Egyptian, Near Eastern, and Greek and Roman departments, this seminar analyzes key phases of collecting and curating over the past 150 years. Readings will address the museum's sponsored excavations abroad, controversial acquisitions from dealers, and strategic gifts from donors. Group presentations will explore influential exhibitions and published catalogs. Individual research projects will delve into iconic and overlooked works in the collection, including fresco paintings, stone sculptures, and luxurious metalwork. Students will leave the seminar understanding why acquiring antiquities made the Metropolitan Museum a leading international institution, and how curators have used these artifacts to shape modern understandings of the ancient Mediterranean world. The seminar will culminate in a field trip to the museum.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 12

Prerequisites: Prior coursework in art history (ARTH), classical civilization (CLCV), or permission of the instructor. Priority will be given to students who have taken at least one of the following courses - ARTH 123, ARTH 203, ARTH 209, ARTH 241, ARTH 243, ARTH 256, ARTH 290, ARTH 343, or ARTH 373; CLCV 200, CLCV 215, CLCV 300, CLCV 373.

Distribution Requirements: ARS - Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Film and Video

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

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