The Metropolitan Museum of Art is currently hosting a unique exhibition titled “Giacometti in the Temple of Dendur,” which opened on June 12 and will run through September 8. This show features 17 sculptures by Alberto Giacometti, a Swiss modernist, displayed within and around the ancient Egyptian Temple of Dendur. Fourteen of these works are on loan from the Fondation Giacometti in Paris, with an additional three pieces from the Met’s own collection. This arrangement is a rare occurrence, as the Temple of Dendur, a structure dating back to approximately 10 BCE, typically does not host such exhibitions.
The exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Met’s Egyptian and modern and contemporary art departments, with contributions from the Fondation Giacometti. Curators Aude Semat and Stephanie D’Alessandro represent the Met, while Emilie Bouvard is involved from the Fondation. The show's premise highlights Giacometti's inspiration from ancient Egyptian art, which he encountered in Florence and Rome early in his career, despite never visiting Egypt. The sculptures, predominantly female figures, range in height from 11 inches to over 8 feet and are placed to evoke ancient temple processions and the role of cult statues.
This exhibition is touted as a significant event by the Met, especially while its modern art wing undergoes a $550 million renovation and expansion. The museum views this curatorial juxtaposition as a guide for its future vision for the revamped Tang Wing, emphasizing a forward-looking approach to presenting modern art and fostering collaborations between different curatorial departments. The casual and conversational display aims to lower the barrier to entry for viewing modern art, contrasting with traditional, more gravitas-filled presentations.
