Agon! Competition in Ancient Greece. CaixaForum Madrid
13.07.17
57 seconds read“The first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself” (Plato)
Greek history is rich in glorious feats performed by heroes, athletes and warriors. From Homer's epic tales to sporting triumphs at Olympia and the victories of great generals, intense rivalry dominated all aspects of life in Ancient Greece.
Competition was even present in the world of the arts, in the form of contests in the fields of music, theatre, sculpture and painting. Through 170 objects, Agon! Competition in Ancient Greece -the second exhibition resulting from the agreement signed between ”la Caixa” Foundation and the British Museum in 2015- explores this competitive spirit, so characteristic of Ancient Greek society.
Many of the works on show were restored especially for the occasion and are displayed outside London for the first time. These include, particularly, the sculptures and the fragment of the frieze from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, on loan for the very first time.
Agon! Competition in Ancient Greece. From 14 July to 15 October 2017. Place: CaixaForum Madrid (Paseo del Prado, 36).