Creativity thread

The 'Harpist of Keros'.

Made in Parian marble. Early Cycladic II, 2800-2300BCE.

National Archaeological Museum Athens.

The majority of Cycladic Figurines were designed to lie flat. Musicians like this one are mainly ‘harpists’ and rarely play wind instruments. They were carved in organised workshops equipped with bronze tools.

The ‘harpist’ is seated on an elegant throne. The stringed instrument is a lyre or a harp (trigonon).

The creativity belongs to the sculptor. I took this shot through glass in poor light.

The 'Harpist of Keros'.

Made in Parian marble. Early Cycladic II, 2800-2300BCE.

National Archaeological Museum Athens.

The majority of Cycladic Figurines were designed to lie flat. Musicians like this one are mainly ‘harpists’ and rarely play wind instruments. They were carved in organised workshops equipped with bronze tools.

The ‘harpist’ is seated on an elegant throne. The stringed instrument is a lyre or a harp (trigonon).

The creativity belongs to the sculptor. I took this shot through glass in poor light.

The Museum of Cycladic Art is amazing too. It’s tiny compared to the Archaeological Museum but it has a terrific vibe and a great cafe.

I visited Greece and the cycladic museum in my youth. Then my son went and came back with a figurine for me. I was so happy

B said:

One advantage we now have that we didn't in our youth is that we can see much of the content online.

Oh yes! The content available is amazing now. Also, many artefacts can be viewed in 3D, which in the case of figurines, makes it possible to see important details from angles other than those afforded to in person visitors.

I plan to take time to look at the Bayeux Tapestry online.

ArchaeC said:

My interest in figurines means I visit these places, even though it’s costly to my sensory system.

One advantage we now have that we didn't in our youth is that we can see much of the content online.

I follow museums and art galleries on Instagram and it is always a delight when an item of historic interest pops up in my stream.

I haven’t visited the British Museum for years and I don’t think I could manage London very easily now. 

Some of the European museums such as those in Athens and other parts of Greece are less intense, especially out of season.

Yes headphones, sunglasses and a brimmed hat to pull down over the eyes help me through the experience.

My interest in figurines means I visit these places, even though it’s costly to my sensory system.

Emmalephant said:

It‘s really not the most sensory friendly place to visit, is it? I visited once and came out crying and needing about 20minutes just to be able to move on.

It is far too busy as are most/all of the art galleries and museums in London.

I found it easier when I was young but then the population of London was less.

Sorry you had that horrid experience there.

I get quite panicky in crowds and have to leave.

ArchaeC said:

I hope you can get to see the British Museum without it causing too much anxiety

Thank you.

Travelling and being somewhere other than my home are things I find increasingly difficult as I age.

Time will tell.

It‘s really not the most sensory friendly place to visit, is it? I visited once and came out crying and needing about 20minutes just to be able to move on.

I recommend bringing good headphones/ear defenders and maybe sunglasses.

I hope you can get to see the British Museum without it causing too much anxiety.

Picasso and Modigliani were influenced by Cycladic art. 

It continues to have wide ranging appeal.

Cinnabar_wing said:

That quite incredible that creativity and art have been part of humanity for so long, and that we actually still have the pieces, even a little damaged, is astounding.

I agree.

Last year I booked myself into a London hotel with the plan to see lots of the British Museum without feeling rushed/tired on a day trip.

However, I cancelled as I got anxious but will try again.

The stuff there (much of it not in the country it should be!) is wonderful.

That quite incredible that creativity and art have been part of humanity for so long, and that we actually still have the pieces, even a little damaged, is astounding.