Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens to Present Striking Power: Iconoclasm in Ancient Egypt

Exhibition examining damage to ancient objects will open to the public Jan. 31, 2020

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The newest exhibition at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Striking Power: Iconoclasm in Ancient Egypt, will open Jan. 31. Through thoughtful pairings of damaged works – from fragmented heads to altered inscriptions – with undamaged examples, Striking Power examines the patterns of damage inflicted on these sculptures for political, religious and criminal reasons in ancient times. The exhibition will be on view to the public through April 26.

        Striking Power examines iconoclasm in Egypt, focusing on the legacies of kings Hatshesput (reigned c. 1478 to 1458 BCE) and Akhenaten (reigned c. 1353 to 1336 BCE), as well as the late Antiquity (3rd to 7th century AD).

        “Iconoclasm is a practice that spans history and continues to the present day — we still struggle with decisions about what to do with contested public sculptures — and this show sheds light on how other societies have dealt with similar issues,” said Adam Levine, the Museum’s George W. and Kathleen I. Gibbs Director & CEO. “This exhibition will raise timely questions about ownership, memory and visual culture that are as relevant today to us in Jacksonville as they were in ancient Egypt.”

        Striking Power: Iconoclasm in Ancient Egypt is organized by the Brooklyn Museum in collaboration with the Pulitzer Arts Foundation and is curated by Edward Bleiberg, senior curator of Egyptian, Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Art, Brooklyn Museum.

Exhibition credits

Philanthropic support from the community is critical for the Museum to serve as a vibrant civic resource. Support for Striking Power: Iconoclasm in Ancient Egypt has been generously provided by:

Exhibition Season Presenters: Florida Blue, Renate and Joe Hixon

Exhibition Lead Sponsor: Northern Trust

Exhibition Sponsors: City of Jacksonville, Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Director’s Circle Donors at the Cummer Museum, State of Florida, The Robert D. and Isabelle T. Davis Endowment, The Schultz Family Endowment, The Winston Family Foundation 

About the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens:

For almost 60 years, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has been committed to engaging and inspiring through the arts, gardens and education. A permanent collection of more than 5,000 objects and historic gardens on a riverfront campus offers nearly 140,000 annual visitors a truly unique experience on the First Coast. Nationally recognized education programs serve adults and children of all abilities. For further information, including hours, visit www.cummermuseum.org.