Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam Unveils 'Glass. Made in Antiquity' Exhibition
The Allard Pierson Museum in Amsterdam invites visitors to explore the fascinating world of ancient glass with its new exhibition, "Glass. Made in Antiquity," starting May 16. This showcase delves into the remarkable artistry and enduring beauty of a fragile material that has captivated humanity for centuries. Through a curated selection of objects, the exhibition highlights the intricate craftsmanship and evolving production techniques of glass from ancient civilizations.
Discover the History and Craft of Ancient Glass
Visitors can admire a diverse array of glass objects, ranging from transparent to opaque, in a spectrum of vivid or muted colors, and fashioned into elegant or unusual shapes. The exhibition not only presents these stunning artifacts but also explains the sophisticated methods used to create them. From the earliest production in Egypt as far back as the 15th century BCE, utilizing techniques like winding semi-molten threads around a clay core, to significant advancements like the appearance of cast and polished bowls in the 2nd century BCE, the exhibition traces the evolution of glassmaking. These bowls, shaped by placing hot glass over a reusable convex mould, represented an early step towards mass production.
Glass became an integral part of daily life during Roman times, serving purposes similar to modern plastics. Large bottles held wine and olive oil, while small flasks stored fragrant oils, alongside various drinking vessels and decorative ornaments. A pivotal moment came in the mid-first century BCE with the discovery of glassblowing. This innovation rapidly expanded the possibilities of glass artistry, allowing makers to create intricate jugs, cups, and bowls. A notable example in the exhibition is a bottle shaped like a date, created by blowing hot glass into a mould made from a real date, showcasing the endless creative potential unlocked by this technique.
Modern Research Illuminates Ancient Practices
The exhibition offers a unique blend of ancient artifacts and contemporary insights. It features works by two modern artists, Bert Frijns and Emmy van de Grift, who draw inspiration from historical glassmaking traditions. Emmy van de Grift specifically created new pieces for this exhibition during her residency at a glass studio in Leerdam.
Furthermore, the "Glass. Made in Antiquity" exhibition incorporates findings from recent scientific research. Several objects were analyzed in collaboration with TU Delft, using advanced methods such as a nuclear reactor and sophisticated X-ray techniques to understand their precise composition and manufacturing processes. The Allard Pierson also conducted its own innovative research, employing photography inside a specialized dome equipped with 64 LED lights to reveal minute production traces, which helped answer various technical questions. These scientific discoveries are integrated into the exhibition, enriching the visitor's understanding.
The Allard Pierson's Rich Collection
As an integral part of the University of Amsterdam, the Allard Pierson plays a vital role in collecting, managing, and showcasing cultural heritage spanning from antiquity to the present. The foundation of its archaeological collections, including numerous glass objects, was established over a century ago by collectors Constant Willem Lunsingh Scheurleer and Friedrich Wilhelm Freiherr von Bissing. This exhibition proudly displays a broad selection from the museum's extensive collection of 450 ancient glass objects. An accompanying publication from WBOOKS further elaborates on the museum's collection, the technical research conducted, and the history behind these remarkable artifacts.
Plan your visit to the Allard Pierson Museum to experience this captivating journey through the history of glass. To discover more cultural spots and explore museums in Amsterdam, browse Musemap (musemap.art) or find other museums in the city.
