School Presents Two Lectures on the Derveni Krater in May

Two events in May announced distribution in Greece of The Derveni Krater: Masterpiece of Greek Metalwork, the ASCSA's first book in the new series Ancient Art and Architecture in Context. The School was extremely pleased to have lectures by the book's author, Art historian Beryl Barr-Sharrar of New York University, on May 20 at the School's Cotsen Hall and then again at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki two days later. The event in Athens attracted over 220 people, including the American and Australian ambassadors, a number of Ministry of Culture officials, and the excavators of the Derveni tombs among many others. It was followed by a lively question and answer session and a reception afterwards.

Although there were fewer in attendance at the Archaeological Museum in Thessaloniki, the quality of the audience made up for the lack of quantity. In addition to the American consul in Thessaloniki, Hoyt Brian Yee, a number of northern excavators and other notables attended. The Derveni krater is housed in the newly redone museum and is one of Thessaloniki's principal treasures.

On the following day, permission was granted from the local Ephorate to visit the Derveni tombs themselves. Despina Ignatiadou, Curator of the museum, accompanied Ms. Barr-Sharrar and members of the School's Publications office to view the impressive and massive stones of the tombs.

The School would like to thank Mr. Takis Arapoglou and the National Bank of Greece for their generosity in sponsoring these events.