The exhibition Circus to Apostle. Terra Sigillata from the K. Wilhelm Collection is the first comprehensive presentation of one of the world's most important collections of Roman terra sigillata vessels, which was donated to the Antikensammlungen in 2020 by the Munich physician and collector Prof. Dr. Klaus Wilhelm. The donation also includes around 50 lamps of Italian and North African origin.
At a first exhibition at the Pompejanum in Aschaffenburg in 2022, at which only a small selection of the collection was shown, the Bavarian Minister of Art Markus Blume emphasized: "Klaus Wilhelm's donation to the Munich State Collections of Antiquities is a special stroke of luck. The unique collection of North African clay vessels exudes the spirit of a passionate collector and art connoisseur. I am delighted that all those interested in art will be able to share in it in future ... I would like to thank Klaus Wilhelm warmly for this generous gesture!"
The bowl is decorated with a depiction of a victorious charioteer. The reliefs were molded and applied to the pottery body; late 2nd/early 3rd century AD; probably made in north-eastern Tunisia. State Collections of Antiquities and Glyptothek Munich, Renate Kühling
For centuries, the Terra Sigillata from North Africa shown here, which was coated with an engobe and therefore has a shiny red surface, was in demand throughout the Mediterranean region. Its high quality, its durability due to the hard firing and its wide variety of shapes and decoration types made it a constant companion at Roman banquets. Plates, trays, platters, bowls, dishes and the rarer jugs and jugs give us an idea of the richly laid Roman table. The earthenware tableware came from the provinces of Africa Proconsularis and Byzacena, today's Tunisia, could be produced in large quantities and thus became affordable. The shape and decoration of the vessels, some of which had extremely thin walls, imitated objects made of precious materials such as silver, ivory or glass, which only the richest could afford. They were therefore a luxury for everyone.
The flat jug was molded in two plaster matrices. Both sides show a stylized carving of St. Lazarus wrapped in mortuary bandages; 1st half of the 6th century AD; made in Central Tunisia. State Collections of Antiquities and Glyptothek Munich, Renate Kühling
Production took place in highly specialized workshops, initially in north-eastern Tunisia. However, the appliqué-decorated wares from central Tunisia in particular became an export hit. The workshops in Sidi Marzouk Tounsi have now been identified as the production site for the majority of the objects in the exhibition. The detailed, figurative motifs were molded separately in plaster or clay matrices and applied as appliqués. They show, among other things, figures from myths, but also often scenes from the Roman circus, i.e. chariot races and animal hunts. These were particularly popular in Roman Africa, so that individual vessels were aimed at special 'fan groups' and commemorated past victories. From the later fourth century onwards, Christian motifs were added to the repertoire, including figurative depictions of the apostle princes Peter and Paul or images of martyrs.
The exhibition Circus to Apostles. Terra Sigillata from the K. Wilhelm Collection provides information on the precursors and production methods of Roman fine ceramics from North Africa; another focus is on the rich pictorial decoration. It clearly shows the change from a pagan to a Christian world. The excellently preserved vessels and lamps from the Wilhelm Collection, supplemented by loans from various museums in Germany, provide visitors with a fascinating insight into a bygone world of everyday life, which is characterized by its delight in unusual shapes and images. The children's trail, discovery sheet and hands-on stations were developed in collaboration with the Museum Education Center and appeal to younger visitor groups.
visitor groups.
July 5, 2023 to April 14, 2024
www.antike-am-koenigsplatz.mwn.de
Bowl depicting a beheading; perhaps referring to one of the many African martyrs; late 4th / early 5th century AD; made in Sidi Marzouk Tounsi (central Tunisia). State Collections of Antiquities and Glyptothek Munich, Renate Kühling
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