Short Messages from Antiquity

The special presentation Vitrine EXTRA periodically showcases various antique objects as temporary additions to the permanent exhibition of the Collection of Greek and Roman Antiquities at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna. In its seventh edition, the show focuses on short messages from antiquity.

When we think of antique inscriptions, we usually expect large stone tablets with chiselled lettering. But there are many other things which at first glance are perhaps inconspicuous or invisible; and sometimes, you might even have to turn an object upside down to see them: Greek vases for example, tell a host of exciting stories using delicate sgraffito techniques and vibrant paintwork.