1985 Smithsonian "Ebla to Damascus" Exhibition Poster - Green Metal Frame

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A striking and rare vintage gallery poster from the esteemed mid-1980s traveling exhibition, "Ebla to Damascus: Art and Archaeology of … Read more A striking and rare vintage gallery poster from the esteemed mid-1980s traveling exhibition, "Ebla to Damascus: Art and Archaeology of Ancient Syria," circulated by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). The central figure depicts the iconic votive statue of King Iku-Shamagan of Mari at prayer, capturing the pristine geometry and timeless allure of ancient Mesopotamian sculpture (c. 2500 BCE). This piece captures a monumental moment in curation history, marking the very first time these verified treasures on loan from Syria’s National Museums were displayed in North America. The exhibition showcased 281 rare artifacts spanning 10,000 years of Near Eastern history, making stops at elite institutions including LACMA, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History between 1985 and 1987.

This piece of archaeological history captures the essence of ancient civilization and serves as a sophisticated conversation starter. The exhibit featured 281 ancient artifacts, including pottery, statuary, jewelry, cuneiform tablets, and wall paintings. The objects spanned 10,000 years of Syrian history, from 8000 BCE to 1600 CE. The items showcased discoveries from key archaeological sites like Ebla, Mari, and Ugarit, offering a new understanding of the Middle East's role in the development of urban civilization. A comprehensive, 542-page catalog edited by Harvey Weiss was published in conjunction with the exhibition.


Ancient History, Sumerian Art, Mesopotamian Archaeology, Museum Exhibition Poster, Vintage SITES Graphic Print, Grandmillennial Decor, Dark Academia Aesthetic, King of Mari, Collectible Artifact Art. See less