PERSIA

Ancient Iran and the Classical World

 

From April 6 through August 8, 2022, The Getty Villa exhibited Persia: Ancient Iran and the Classical World, which explored the artistic and cultural connections between the rival powers of Iran, Greece, and Rome. Works on view included royal sculpture, spectacular luxury objects, religious images, and historical documents assembled from major museums in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. The exhibition was supported by an immersive film presentation exploring the site and palaces of the ceremonial capital of Achaemenid Persia, Persepolis.

Artifacts from left to right: 1. Bracelet with Griffin Terminals, Achaemenid, about 400 BC. Gold, once laid with semiprecious stones. British Museum, London. Presented by Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks, 1897. Image © The Trustees of the British Museum. 2. Earring with Inlays, Achaemenid, late 400s–early 300s BC. Gold with turquoise, lapis lazuli, and cornelian. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Edward J. and Mary S. Holmes fund. Photograph © 2022 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. 3. Persian Guard, Achaemenid, 486–465 BC. Limestone. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Archibald Cary Coolidge Fund. Photograph © 2022 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. 4. Plaque with a Winged Lion-Griffin, Achaemenid, 500–330 BC. Gold. The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. Image: Courtesy of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago.

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The exhibition Persia: Ancient Iran and the Classical World is made possible through the generosity of our supporters and partners.

Lead Supporters: Anahita and James Lovelace in memory of Professor Ebrahim Pourdavoud

Major supporters: Elizabeth and Bruce Dunlevie, Farhang Foundation, Ellen and David Lee, Georgia and Ronald P. Spogli, and the Getty Patron Program

Exhibition Cultural Partner: Farhang Foundation

Exhibition Academic Partner: Pourdavoud Center for the Study of the Iranian World, UCLA