Four thousand years ago, in the Cycladic Islands in the Aegean Sea, a sculptor carved this figure from a block of marble. The culture of this time and place had a strong oral tradition, and this sculpture begs one to wonder who this figure is, what he is singing, and who he is singing for.
Getty has joined forces with Smarthistory to bring you an in-depth look at select works within our collection, whether you’re looking to learn more at home or want to make art more accessible in your classroom. This video series illuminates art history concepts through fun, unscripted conversations between art historians, curators, archaeologists, and artists, committed to a fresh take on the history of visual arts.
A conversation with Dr. Nicole Budrovich, Curatorial Assistant, Getty Museum, and Dr. Beth Harris, Executive Director, Smarthistory, in front of Male Harp Player of the Early Spedos Type, Cyclades, 2700–2300 B.C.E, marble, 35.8 x 9.5 x 28.1 cm. Getty Museum, Los Angeles
View the Getty Conversations series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLij2XTFgmBSQXPYGkw4zLRfiF96kfRSGN
Learn more about “Male Harp Player of the Early Spedos Type” in Getty’s collection online: https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/103QT1
Subscribe to the Getty Museum YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@gettymuseum
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