Rare Vintage "Ebla to Damascus" Smithsonian Exhibition Poster in Original Green Metal Frame

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A striking and rare vintage poster from the esteemed traveling exhibition, "Ebla to Damascus: Art and Archaeology of Ancient Syria," … Read more A striking and rare vintage poster from the esteemed traveling exhibition, "Ebla to Damascus: Art and Archaeology of Ancient Syria," circulated by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in the mid-1980s. It includes the original green metal frame, which complements the pale blues and creams of the artwork and the neutral tones of the subject matter. It also has the original glass with UV protection. It is a high-quality decorative piece with significant cultural provenance. The figure depicted is the Statue of Itur-Shamagen, King of Mari, at prayer. This is an ancient Mesopotamian alabaster sculpture that dates from around 2800-2300 BC.

This piece of archaeological history captures the essence of ancient civilization and serves as a sophisticated conversation starter. This original poster is from one of the most important archaeological exhibits of its time and the first time these specific works, on loan from Syria's National Museums, had been shown in the New World. 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.

The exhibition toured the United States from September 1985 to September 1987. Major stops included the Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore, Maryland, the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, and the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C..

A comprehensive, 542-page catalog edited by Harvey Weiss was published in conjunction with the exhibition.

Ancient History, Sumerian Art, Middle East, Archaeology, Museum Poster, Vintage Print, Collectible Art, Mesopotamian Statue, King of Mari, Itur-Shamagen, Smithsonian, SITES, Ebla, Damascus. See less