Return of valuable copies of ancient art

Whether on campus, at the Institute of Classics or in the University's main building: the casts of ancient sculptures and reliefs delight the eye of the beholder in numerous locations. Most recently, the pieces were on permanent loan in Jena, but now the entire collection is returning to the ownership of Friedrich Schiller University Jena. This has been agreed upon by the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation and the University of Jena.

The retransfer will take place at a public ceremony on Wednesday, 12 November, at 6 pm in the Rosensäle (Fürstengraben 27). After welcoming remarks from the President of the University of Jena, Prof. Dr Andreas Marx, the Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Prof Dr. Julia Kuhn, the Director of the Institute of Classicals, Prof. Dr Timo Stickler, and Prof. Dr Andreas Scholl, Director of the Collection of Classical Antiques of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Dr Heike Richter will give a keynote speech. The member of staff at the Institute of Archaeological Sciences at Goethe University Frankfurt will speak about »Reisen im Kreis: Biografie(n) von Abgüssen Antiker Plastik am Lehrstuhl Klassische Archäologie der Universität Jena.« (Travelling in circles: Biography(ies) of casts of ancient sculptures at the chair of Classical Archaeology at the University of Jena). Guests are welcome, admission is free.

Evidence of the former erudition of Jena's citizens

»The casts of ancient works of art are proof of the former erudition of Jena's citizens«, says Prof. Dr Eva Winter from the University of Jena. When the pieces were gradually acquired from the mid-19th century onwards, the citizens made a significant contribution. This was achieved both through donations and through admission fees for public lectures on classical antiquity. In this way, one of the most important collections of pre-war casts was assembled piece by piece, says Eva Winter, Professor of Classical Archaeology.

The collection finally found its home in 1908 in the University's Archaeological Museum, which was located in the University's main building. Today, it houses the dining hall and the Student Service Centre. Eva Winter says that it is not known in detail under what circumstances the precious artefacts were given away. The fact is that the collection was moved to Sondershausen Palace in 1962. From there, the pieces were transferred to the Collection of Classical Antiques of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin in 1983, which became the owner of the collection. Many of the casts returned to Jena on permanent loan as early as the beginning of the 1990s.

Valuable pieces for research and teaching

The actual value of the casts is difficult to quantify, says Prof Winter; the pieces are primarily valuable for research and teaching. In addition, some of the casts today show a more accurate image than the originals, because »wind, weather and acid rain have damaged many of the originals«, says Eva Winter. Alongside the joy at the final return of the plaster casts, there is now concern about the preservation of the pieces. An archaeological museum like the one formerly located in the University Main Building no longer exists. For the time being, the casts will continue to be on display in many locations throughout the University. Much to the delight of viewers.