Object Matters

When Dr Paul Donnelly first saw the grieving figures depicted on this trio of white ground lekythoi, he felt an instant human connection. Created in the 5th century BC, these Greek ceramic vessels were intended as a graveside gift for a departed loved one, filled with oil for use in their afterlife. Paul speaks to Dr Craig Barker about these finely crafted vessels and their journey from ancient Athens to the Nicholson Collection in Australia, via World War Two Paris.

Download transcript (docx, 1.1 MB)

 Guest: Dr Paul Donnelly, Deputy Director of the Chau Chak Wing Museum and practicing archaeologist.

Host: Dr Craig Barker, Manager of Education and Public Programs, Chau Chak Wing Museum and Director, Paphos Theatre Archaeological Excavations. Follow @DrCraig_B on Twitter and Instagram.  Object details: 
1. Attic white ground lekythos, Athens, Greece, 450-425BC (NM41.1) View full object record

2. Attic white ground lekythos, Painter of New York 23.166, Athens, Greece, 450-425BC (NM41.2)  View full object record

3. Attic white ground lekythos, Triglyph Painter, Athens, Greece, 425-400BC (NM41.3) View full object record

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Dr Craig Barker was an archaeology student when he first encountered the captivating painting of Caterina Cornaro, Queen of Cyprus, in his professor’s office. Venetian born Caterina’s rule began with tragedy in 1474, as she took the throne following the death of her husband King James II and infant son, and it ended with sorrow in 1489 as the last monarch of Cyprus was forced to surrender control of Cyprus to the Venetians.  Artwork: Caterina Cornaro Queen of Cyprus (artist unknown), Italian school, circa 1500, oil on canvas, donated by Sir Charles Nicholson 1865, UA1865.9

Download transcript (docx, 1.1 MB)

Host: Dr Craig Barker, Manager of Education and Public Programs, Chau Chak Wing Museum and Director, Paphos Theatre Archaeological Excavations (Cyprus). Follow @DrCraig_B on Twitter and Instagram. 

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Subscribe to Muse Extra, our monthly newsletter and follow @ccwm_sydney on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Learn more about the Chau Chak Wing Museum at sydney.edu.au/museum