Rare find or modern forgery? Public input sought to identify supposed antiquity
Montreal, March 15, 2011 – For over a decade, experts from around the world have investigated the origins of a mysterious limestone sculpture in the possession of Concordia University. More than 60 cm in height, but short on concrete facts, the work depicts two nude seated figures and features inscriptions from a seemingly ancient language that remains unidentified.
While international experts have appraised the sculpture, no authority has yet been able to confirm its pedigree. Once part of the Diniacopoulos Collection of Mediterranean antiquities, the work has been housed at Concordia since 1999.
For the first time in half a century, the sculpture will be on public display at the university. Media are welcome to an advance viewing in the presence of Clarence Epstein, Director of Special Projects and Cultural Affairs at Concordia.
- When: 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2011.
- Where: Atrium of Concordia’s Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (1515 St. Catherine W.).
- What: The enigmatic work can also be viewed at concordia.ca/diniacopoulos. The site will be made interactive for a limited time and allow visitors to post comments.
That same evening media have an opportunity to attend a lecture and book launch for the Life and Death in Ancient Egypt: The Diniacopoulos Collection:
- When: 6 p.m., March 16, 2011.
- Where: Maxwell Cummings Auditorium, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (1379 Sherbrooke St. W.).
Related Links:
Media Contacts:
Catherine Guex
Press attaché
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
Phone: 514-285-1600, ext. 205
Email: cguex@mbamtl.org
Source:
Sylvain-Jacques Desjardins
Senior advisor, media relations
University Communications Services
Concordia University
Phone: 514-848-2424, ext. 5068
Email: s-j.desjardins@concordia.ca
Twitter: twitter.com/concordia
