**Cyprus Antiquities to Be Exhibited at Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum**
Antiquities from Cyprus will make their debut outside the island at the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology at the University of Oxford this autumn. The exhibition, titled "The Making of a Goddess," is set to open on October 8 and will run until April 11, 2024.
This exhibition promises to be a significant cultural event, showcasing the evolution of the goddess Aphrodite from her origins in the eastern Mediterranean to her enduring legacy in contemporary culture. The Ashmolean Museum describes the exhibition as a multidisciplinary exploration that integrates archaeology, sculpture, painting, contemporary art, and fashion.
One of the key themes of the exhibition is Aphrodite's journey through various historical periods, including the ancient Greek and Roman eras and the Renaissance, leading to her ongoing relevance in modern society. The exhibition will feature a remarkable array of artifacts, including the iconic Crouching Aphrodite from the Royal Collection and a Capitoline Venus on loan from the Louvre. Additionally, artworks such as Botticelli’s renowned "Venus" from the Gemaldegalerie in Berlin will be on display, alongside modern interpretations of the goddess by artists like Yves Klein and Michelangelo Pistoletto. A notable highlight will be a Loewe dress worn by Beyoncé, showcasing the intersection of fashion and art.
The exhibition will delve into the origins of Aphrodite, emphasizing her emergence on the island of Cyprus. The museum notes that the island served as a cultural crossroads where visitors and immigrants from the Greek Aegean first encountered the goddess. The myths surrounding Aphrodite were shaped by prominent ancient writers, including Homer, Hesiod, Euripides, Ovid, and Virgil, who contributed to her storied legacy.
In addition to exploring the myths, "The Making of a Goddess" will examine the "cult of the goddess" in ancient Cyprus, tracing her evolution from earlier female deities worshipped throughout the eastern Mediterranean, such as Astarte and Ishtar. Visitors can expect to see the earliest known representation of Aphrodite, a unique copper alloy figurine dating back to around 1200 BCE, which is among the oldest objects featured in the exhibition.
A recreation of an ancient Aphrodite sanctuary will also be part of the exhibition, utilizing exceptional loans from Cyprus and major international collections. This installation aims to illustrate how Aphrodite was revered as a powerful goddess across the island and to highlight the diverse ways she was depicted in ancient Cypriot art.
The exhibition is curated by Anha Ulbrich, a prominent expert in Cypriot archaeology. Ulbrich expressed her long-standing fascination with Cyprus, which began during her studies in archaeology. She has dedicated much of her career to exploring the island's ancient culture, religious practices, and connections within the Mediterranean.
"The Making of a Goddess" is expected to attract a wide audience, offering insights into the historical and cultural significance of Aphrodite and her impact on art and society through the ages. As the first exhibition of its kind to showcase Cypriot antiquities outside their homeland, it represents a significant opportunity for cultural exchange and appreciation of Cyprus's rich heritage.