Greek-Cypriot Art Graces the Met

Written by Harry C.

(2008)

     The Cesnola Collection of Cypriot Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art includes a unique collection of antiquities dating from prehistoric to Roman times. Named after Luigi Palma di Cesnola, the first American Consul on Cyprus, it is thought to be one of the most comprehensive collections of Cypriot art in the Western Hemisphere. This acquisition is also very significant regarding the history of the Metropolitan Museum of Art because it “helped to establish the museum’s reputation as a major repository for classical antiquities.” (museum brochure)

     The beautiful works that make up the exhibition emphasize art in limestone, bronze, terracotta, and precious metals. In the display are many original terracotta animal figurines and pottery created in the prehistoric period (10,000-1050 B.C.). Referred to as zoomorphic askoi (vases), these miniature sculptures appear as rams, birds, dogs, boars, bulls, and horses. An original and unusual piece of pottery is that of a miniature vase in the shape of a leather bag (early Cypriot 2500-1900 B.C.) which is said to be from Ayia Paraskevi. Two horned projections protrude from the base and two more jut from the middle of the body, imitating the knobs of a leather bag.

     The gallery on geometric and archaic Cypriot art is a significant part of the Cesnola Collection. It is during these periods that Cyprus was populated by many foreigners, all of whom left their mark on the island’s culture and art. By the end of the eleventh century, Cyprus had received many refugees from centers of Mycenean Greece. These immigrants brought to Cyprus Mycenean customs of burial, pottery making, and warfare.They were also responsible for introducing the Greek language to the island. This was important because it paved the way for the linguistic and cultural similarities shared by both Greece and Cyprus.

     It was also during the geometric and archaic periods that the Phoenicians introduced Egyptian elements in Cypriot art. Included in this gallery are a series of huge limestone sculptures with oriental influences, e.g. the colossal head of a bearded figure wearing a conical helmet. Discovered near the temple of Golgoi, the conical cap identifies him as an individual of high rank. There are also numerous male votaries in Egyptian dress. Some wear crowns whereas others wear helmets. Their broad shoulders and stiff stance make them appear like Egyptian pharaohs.

     The most unique of the male votaries however, is that of Hercules in limestone created in 530 B.C. Hercules, the most represented male deity in Cypriot art had an impressive hold over the Cypriot imagination. Early in Cypro-archaic art he appears as an amalgamation of Greek and Oriental cultural traditions. According to the museum, the Cesnola “restorations” have drastically altered this unusual sculpture. Some of the features are no longer clear. Hercules wears a tunic belt, modified kilt, and lionskin. In his left hand he held a bow, half of which appears against his body. On his right side there are ends of arrows that he held in his right hand.

     The Cesnola Collection is a fascinating display of art that highlights the exotic blend of classical and oriental influences on Cyprus throughout antiquity. Anyone who loves the arts will be captivated by the beauty and unique style which flow from these works.