Witches and Wives, Goddesses and Gorgons
Posted 12 Sep 2023 by Ana Sampson
1M visitors in the past month.
In a groundbreaking new exhibition at the British Museum, "Witches and Wives, Goddesses and Gorgons" explores the complex and often contradictory roles of women in ancient Greece and Rome.
The exhibition features over 200 objects, including sculptures, paintings, and jewelry, that depict women in a variety of roles, from powerful goddesses to humble housewives. Through these objects, the exhibition sheds light on the changing status of women in ancient Greece and Rome, and the ways in which they were perceived by both men and women.
One of the most striking aspects of the exhibition is the way in which it challenges traditional views of ancient women. For centuries, women in ancient Greece and Rome have been portrayed as either virtuous wives and mothers or as dangerous witches and seductresses. However, the objects in this exhibition show that the reality was much more complex.
In ancient Greece, for example, women were often seen as powerful beings who could control the forces of nature. This is reflected in the many sculptures of goddesses that are featured in the exhibition, such as the famous statue of Athena Parthenos. These goddesses were not simply symbols of beauty and fertility, but also of strength and wisdom.
However, women in ancient Greece were also subject to many restrictions. They were not allowed to own property, vote, or hold public office. They were also expected to be subservient to their husbands. This is reflected in the many images of women in domestic roles that are featured in the exhibition, such as the painting of a woman spinning wool.
The status of women in ancient Rome was somewhat different from that of women in ancient Greece. Roman women had more legal rights than Greek women, and they were allowed to own property and conduct business. However, they were still subject to many of the same restrictions as Greek women, such as the requirement to be subordinate to their husbands.
The exhibition "Witches and Wives, Goddesses and Gorgons" provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of women in ancient Greece and Rome. Through its objects, the exhibition challenges traditional views of ancient women and sheds light on the complex and often contradictory roles that they played in society.
Comments