Reproductions of Mycenaean Rings 19th-20th century

Curator: At the Harvard Art Museums, we see "Reproductions of Mycenaean Rings," likely made by Emile Gilliéron or his son. Editor: They appear quite worn, with each ring displaying unique surface textures and subtle color variations. There's a sense of antiquity, even if they are reproductions. Curator: Indeed. Gilliéron, active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, played a crucial role in "restoring" and recreating artifacts from Mycenaean sites like Knossos. His work shaped early perceptions of Minoan and Mycenaean culture. Editor: I'm intrigued by the imagery—griffins, figures in motion, abstract patterns—each carefully rendered on such a small scale. The formal balance between image and shape is quite striking. Curator: The reproductions, while not original, influenced art historical narratives and public imagination. They raise important questions about authenticity and the role of replicas in constructing history. Editor: Absolutely, and focusing on their current state, the patina itself tells a story of handling, exhibition, and perhaps, even contestation about what constitutes true historical representation.