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Classical Antiquities Symposium
May 21, 2023 @ 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Join us for an afternoon program with presentations given by Branko F. van Oppen de Ruiter, PhD, Richard E. Perry Curator of Greek and Roman Art. In partnership with four former TMA curators: J. Michael Padgett, Pamela J. Russel, Michael Bennett & Seth Pevnick.
J. Michael Padgett: 2:00-2:30 pm
Dr. Michael Padgett will talk about an ancient ceramic vessel from South Italy that has the form of a human head, apparently that of an African. Called a guttus, the flask’s exact function is unclear, but possibly served as a vinegar cruet. A gift of Mr. and Mrs. William Knight Zewadski, it would have made a bold statement on the dinner table, as it does today in the galleries of the TMA.
Pamela J. Russel: 2:30-3:00 pm
During her time at the TMA, Dr. Pamela Russell relied on the enthusiasm and generosity of Bill Zewadski for virtually all of the Museum’s endeavors. One notable project he spearheaded was the residency of photographer Len Prince. In her talk, Dr. Russell will discuss a selection of the resulting photographs that shine a fresh light on the classical past.
Michael Bennett: 3:00-3:30 pm
In his talk, Dr. Michael Bennett will present three of his acquisitions for the Tampa Museum of Art, all Greek, bronze personal ornaments from the Geometric period (ca. 9th-7th cent. bce). Bill Zewadski had seen these pieces at Archea Ancient Art in Amsterdam. These acquisitions, on Bill’s recommendation, proved to be extremely influential in Dr. Bennett’s career as a scholar and curator of ancient art.
Seth Pevnick: 3:30-4:00 pm
Dr. Seth Pevnick will discuss another fascinating gift of Mr. and Mrs. William Knight Zewadski, a red-figure stamnos (ceramic wine vessel) with scenes of revelry. The unusual head coverings and long drapery worn by the two bearded drinkers, together with the lyre played by the woman between them, connect the Zewadski stamnos to other so-called “Anacreontic” vessels. Once associated with the poet Anacreon, such vases have also been linked to cross-dressing performances or rituals.
Branko van Oppen de Ruiter: 4:00-4:30 pm
Among the nearly 200 antiquities Bill Zewadski has currently donated or loaned to the Museum, is a beautiful South Italian mixing vessel (calyx krater) attributed to an artist only known by the modern designation “Darius Painter.” Dr. Branko van Oppen will talk about the vase, and its counterpart at the M.F.A. in St. Petersburg, to illustrate Bill’s generosity and his keen eye for ancient masterpieces.
Intermission: 4:30-4:45 pm
Curator Panel Discussion: 4:45-5:30 pm
Event End: 6:00 pm
This program is offered free with regular admission:
- Art+ Museum Members: Free
- Not-Yet-Members: $25
- Students: Free
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