Iconoclasm in Ancient Egypt

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens to Present Ancient Egyptian Art

Press release: The newest exhibition at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Striking Power: Iconoclasm in Ancient Egypt, will open on January 31, 2020. The exhibition will be on view to the public through April 26, 2020.

Striking Power examines iconoclasm in Egypt, focusing on the legacies of kings Hatshesput (reigned c. 1478 to 1458 BCE) and Akhenaten (reigned c. 353 to 1336 BCE), as well as the late Antiquity (3rd to 7th century AD). Through thoughtful pairings of damaged works, from fragmented heads to altered inscriptions, with undamaged examples, Striking Power examines the patterns of damage inflicted on these sculptures for political, religious and criminal reasons in ancient times.

“Iconoclasm is a practice that spans history and continues to the present day — we still struggle with decisions about what to do with contested public sculptures — and this show sheds light on how other societies have dealt with similar issues,” said Adam Levine, the Museum’s George W. and Kathleen I. Gibbs Director & CEO. “This exhibition will raise timelyquestions about ownership, memory and visual culture that are as relevant today to us in Jacksonville as they were in ancient Egypt.”

Striking Power: Iconoclasm in Ancient Egypt is organized by the Brooklyn Museum in collaboration with the Pulitzer Arts Foundation.

Philanthropic support from the community is critical for the Museum to serve as a vibrant civic resource. Support for Striking Power: Iconoclasm in Ancient Egypt has been generously provided by:

Exhibition Season Presenters:
Florida Blue
Renate and Joe Hixon

Exhibition Lead Sponsor:
Northern Trust

Exhibition Sponsors:
City of Jacksonville
Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville
Director’s Circle Donors at the Cummer Museum
State of Florida
The Robert D. and Isabelle T. Davis Endowment
The Schultz Family Endowment
The Winston Family Foundation

Membership provides several benefits, such as early access to exhibitions. The exhibition will open to Members on January 30, 2020.

Related programming:
Lecture Series with Director and CEO, Adam Levine, Ph.D.
Feb. 4, Feb. 18, Mar. 17, Mar. 24 and Apr. 7

The Art of Power: An Egyptian Dinner Party
Feb. 21, 2020

The Murder of Tutankhamen: An Evening with Dr. Bob Brier
Feb. 26, 2020

Striking Up: Conversation, Performance, and Art with Phase Eight Theater Company
Mar. 20, Mar. 22 and Apr. 26