Author: aatancientworld

We are excited to share Erin Bello’s video lecture, “Reexamining the Visual Impact of the Togate Body: Deviations and Codified Representations.”

Erin Bello received her Bachelors degrees in both Art History and Classical Civilizations from  the University of North Carolina at Asheville. She then attended John Cabot University for her Masters in Rome where her research focused on Roman statuary. She returned to Italy again to  attend the certification program for the Association for Research into Crimes against Art and is currently studying underwater cultural heritage crimes across the Mediterranean. 

This presentation explores how the toga was depicted in Roman art, and what it represented.

Erin provided us with the following abstract:

“The ideal of the gens togata has framed scholarship around statuary and reliefs of the togate statue body and has served to eliminate the narrative beyond a codification of symbols as indication of status and achievements. The visual dialogue of the togate consists of the juxtaposition and tension between the face and body, male and female depictions, and between other togate statue bodies. The authority of the statue relies on the object’s reception among others of similar appearance while maintaining a sense of personalization, communicating through the expectation of the viewers in a public space. Through an expanding examination of the togate statue body as means of an actual garment, an object, an ideal, and a codified language in of itself, this paper seeks to examine the visual impact of these statue types among themselves and the public landscape of the Roman world.”

Erin has not asked us to share any content warnings with our audience.

We’re pleased to present “Something Old, Something New: Using Technological Tools to Link the Past to Modern Audiences” by Neecole A. Gregory.

Due to an obsession that started early, Neecole Gregory began dedicating her academic career to the ancient world. She received her BA from Randolph-Macon College in both Archeology and Classical Studies. In the last year, Neecole received her MA in Museum Practices and certification in Museum Studies from the University of Memphis. Despite initially entering the U of M through their Egyptology program, Neecole quickly found that she enjoyed engaging the public with the ancient world which led to her transition into Museology. Neecole’s ambition stems from the excitement of grasping the attention of future generations so that they can develop into aspiring adults who understand the significance of the humanities. This goal is expressed in her current adjunct work at the University of Memphis, teaching introductory art and art history courses. Alongside this, Neecole works with the National Emerging Museum Professionals Network and their Advocacy committee where she promotes more attainable opportunities for those new to the museum world. As the dust clears after the devastation of COVID-19, Neecole hopes to find a progressive institution where she and her ambitions can be an asset. Until then, she enjoys catering to her other passion of cooking as a kitchen manager in a famous breakfast restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee as well as traveling whenever she can.

This presentation explores how museums and institutions can apply different technologies to better engage their audiences.

Neecole provided us with the following abstract:

“Institutions and sites that house ancient objects must compete daily with modern distractions, mainly technology. Adjusting to this new reality, many establishments have decided to utilize these digital tools to better engage a more active, diverse audience. By utilizing devices such as smartphones, 3D documentation, augmented and virtual reality, cultural organizations can foster memorable and personalized interactions with visitors. Currently, there is a large gap in the literature that covers cross-examinations of multiple projects that implement these technologies. A review of case studies and scholarly research on the individual digital tools would present common variables in technological-based public programs that make them successful. Additionally, it would also produce the required materials and labor necessary to start these projects. Comparing this information to the needs of the modern audience member would show the reason why institutions should see these technologies as tools for the future.”

Neecole has not asked us to share any content warnings with our audience.