The special exhibition Ancient Color will be on view at the Kelsey Museum from February 8 to May 26, 2019.

In this special exhibition, the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology takes a closer look at color in the Roman world. Although we often associate ancient Rome with white marble sculpture and austere architecture, to be a Roman was to be immersed in color. Statues and buildings were painted in vibrant hues, and homes, clothing, and art were bright with color. What was it was like to live in this Roman world of color? How were pigments and dyes produced and used? Did the Romans think about color the same way that we do today? In addition to displays of ancient artifacts, Ancient Color invites visitors to explore the scientific techniques used by conservators who study how the Romans made, used, and experienced color.

The exhibition is curated by Cathy Person and Caroline Roberts.

View the Exhibition Website
Read an Interview with the Exhibition Curators
Read an Article by U-M Science Writer Liz Watson