Chroma: Ancient Sculpture in Color

This exhibition, shown throughout the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Greek and Roman galleries, focuses on the art of ancient polychromy (5 July–26 March 2023). Beginning with the discovery and identification of colour, it goes on to explore artistic practices and materials, the hidden meanings behind the use of colour during this period and how new technology is reshaping the way we see ancient objects today. Highlights include 14 reconstructions of ancient sculpture in colour, which have been produced for the exhibition as part of the collaborative project between the Met and the Liebieghaus Sculpture Collection. Among the reimagined works is a sphinx finial from the Archaic period, displayed alongside 3D digital recreations of both the original work and the reconstruction, allowing visitors to experience the sphinx’s polychromy through augmented reality. Find out more on the Met’s website. 

Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary here

Krater attributed to the Group of Boston, (c. 360–350 BC). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Marble bust of emperor Caligula. early Imperial, Julio-Claudian (37–41 AD). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Archaic period marble sphinx (c. 530 BC). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York