Two scholars discuss misconceptions about race and polychromy in the ancient world

This episode, hear from Sarah Lepinski, associate curator in the Department of Greek and Roman Art, and Dan-el Padilla Peralta, associate professor of classics at Princeton University.

Featured artwork: Marble portrait bust of the emperor Gaius, known as Caligula, Roman, A.D. 37–41

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Spotlight features new perspectives on a single work from The Met collection each. 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.