The Modern Invention of Ancient White Marble | Portrait Bust of Caligula | Spotlight

Archaeologists Vinzenz and Ulrike Koch Brinkmann have spent the last 40 years dedicated to the study of polychromy—or “many colors” in Greek—in ancient sculpture. Once a fringe area of study, their research combats the misconception of white purity in ancient Greece and Rome. They reflect on the marble bust of Caligula and how the reconstruction of its former color can help us better understand history.

Explore more perspectives on Caligula: https://www.metmuseum.org/perspective...

Learn more about the exhibition "Chroma: Ancient Sculpture in Color": https://www.metmuseum.org/exhibitions...

The Spotlight series features new perspectives on a single work from The Met collection each month. Familiar and celebrated works serve as the focal point for dialogue—posing questions, building understanding, and conveying how the presence of the work in the Museum has altered, limited, or enhanced the work’s interpretation. The series explores different ways of knowing, and relates to themes beyond art and museums through the expertise and personal experience of invited guests.

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