4.4.24

Zeus Ammon at the Met: A Greek-Egyptian Syncretism in Stone

🏛️ Museum Musings 🏛️ I'm at the Metropolitan Museum of Art today.
Just laid eyes on the fascinating 2nd-century bust of ‘Zeus Ammon’ and I can’t help but marvel at the blend of cultures captured in stone. As expected, you’ll find the grandeur and aesthetic of Classical Greece, but what truly captivates is the god’s syncretic figuration as the Egyptian god Ammon—notice the distinctive ram’s horns!

With the great temple of Zeus at Olympia lost to time, pieces like this offer a glimpse into how the supreme ruler of the Olympians was once revered. It’s an extraordinary testament to the interconnectedness of ancient civilizations. 
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1 comment:

  1. What a stunning piece of art! The fusion of Greek and Egyptian influences is truly captivating. The way the artist blended the classical Greek style with the distinctive ram's horns of Ammon is a testament to the cultural exchange and syncretism that occurred in ancient times. It's fascinating to think about the stories and myths that this bust might have been a part of. The fact that it has survived to this day is a remarkable reminder of the enduring power of art and culture.

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