Variations on the Classical | National Museum of Australia

A vase comprising a body in the shape of an egg mounted on a gold pedestal with a circular base and scalloped edges. On top of the egg is a gold neck engraved with leaf shapes and geometric designs. Attaching the mouth to the base of the vase are two handles with scroll-like details at the top. - click to view larger image

From 11 October 2024 | Gandel Atrium | Free

Variations on the Classical brings together objects held in the National Museum of Australia's collection to explore the long reach of the classical past and its influence in Australia.

The ancient cultures of Greece and Rome have had an indelible influence on artists, architects, thinkers and creators over centuries.

Archaeological discovery of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in the 18th century triggered a fresh wave of fascination with antiquity, inspiring a revival of classical ideas and formal movements including neoclassicism across Europe.

On the other side of the world, as Europeans settled the new colony of Australia, these ideas found expression in a wide variety of decorative objects, art and architecture.

White stone sculpture on a matching plinth, depicting a man and woman in classical dress in a pose of terror at a pot of snakes. - click to view larger image — Statuette depicting a man and woman in classical dress

A blue ceramic vase with two white handles and a matching round lid. On one side of the vase is a green medallion depicting a group of three women and a man above which is a white banner containing the embossed words 'BANKS SOLANDER'. The vase is decorated in white with garlands, ram heads, grape vines, wheat and flowers. The top of the lid features a white, crown shaped handle surrounded by white decorations including flowers, wheat, and grape vines. - click to view larger image — Australia Vase, 2001 reproduction of original 1906 design

A mannequin wearing a full length cream muslin dress with an embroidered leaf pattern, long sleeves, a high waist, and a train. - click to view larger image — Empire-cut dress embroidered with a leaf pattern worn by Ann Deane (nee Pidsley)

A set comprised of a cup, a lidded bowl and a teapot each featuring a dark brown Emu egg mounted on a short pedestal which is attached to a round silver base. The cup's bowl tapers towards the bottom, and the rim and bottom are decorated with fleur de lis. A Crocodile shaped handle is attached to one side. The lidded bowl is also decorated with fleur de lis and attached near the rim of the bowl are two Crocodile shaped handles located on opposite sides. Around the rim of the lid is a flared section of silver and on the top is a silver Emu finial. Similar to the cup and the lidded bowl, the teapot is decorated with fleur de lis and has a Crocodile shaped handle. The spout of the teapot is shaped to look like an Emu's head and neck, and the lid is hinged with a silver Emu finial. - click to view larger image — Emu egg tea set with crocodile handles, emu spout and finials

A pair of brown salt glazed stoneware urns featuring female face, foliage applique and wheel made bases. - click to view larger image — Pair of neoclassical jardinières by the London Pottery Workshop

A pair of decorative pedestals featuring glazed ceramic columns with matching square stands. The columns have square platforms at the top with floral motifs underneath. The bodies of the columns are moulded in a repeated elongated oval shaped pattern and the bottoms are octagonal in shape. - click to view larger image — Pair of decorative pedestals in the form of Corinthian columns with decorated capitals

Event Object Club – Variations on the Classical 10.30am–10.30am Friday, March 28, 2025 Free Book tickets

Immerse yourself in classical style with senior curator Kate Morschel. Kate will examine a beautiful collection of objects currently on display in the Gandel Atrium, that represent the long reach of the classical past and its influence in Australia. Exclusive to Friends. Join Friends

Until 4 May 2025, costs apply Pompeii

Trevor Kennedy Collection

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