Luxury and Power: Persia to Greece

Stunning exhibition at the British Museum examining the relationship between Ancient Persia and Greece and their attitude to luxury. 

The show was divided into three. It explained how the Greeks condemned Persia for their love of luxury but how Persia were using it to assert power. It then looked at the effect of the Greco-Persian Wars and how, although Persia were defeated the effect they had on Greek style and fashion. Finally it looked at Alexander the Great’s conquest of Persia again leading to a blending of aesthetics.

The story was explained well but the best thing was the amazing objects. I think it included some of the most beautiful things I had ever seen and I see a lot! They cleverly used drinking vessels as the main example of cross over in the centre of each display from early Persian silver, through fabulous Greek ceramics to a hoard of nine exquisite pieces.

I love the ornate, rich pieces but I think my favourite might have been this perfect ceramic head which looked like it could have been made yesterday.

Closes 13 August 2023


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