Exhibiting Classical Antiquities (15 credits)

Module description

The material and visual culture of the ancient world is rich, varied and immensely influential. London offers unique opportunities for the study not only of these classical antiquities in their own right, but also how they are displayed in modern contexts and why they have had such a great impact.

The history of collections will be investigated, with consideration of the lives and legacies of early collectors from Sloane, Townley and Hamilton to more recent collectors such as Sigmund Freud. All kinds of material will be considered, from architecture and monuments to sculpture and pots.

At least half of the module's classes will be taken in London's cultural institutions, from the huge universal British Museum to the small personal house-museum of John Soane. We will focus not on the original, classical context of these artefacts, but on their present-day relevance and meanings. We will also explore the influence that the ancient world has had on modern London, such as the neoclassical works in the V&A and the National Gallery.

Module description disclaimer

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Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.