Griffin-demon tearing branch from a tree (between 1200 B.C. and 1050 B.C.) Morgan Seal 609. Morgan Library & Museum.
On Wednesday, May 15, the National Institute of Social Sciences will host a very special evening at the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City.
Sidney Babcock, the Jeannette and Jonathan Rosen Curator and Department Head of Ancient Near Eastern Seals and Tablets, will speak on “The Presence of the Past: The Mesopotamian Seals of the Morgan.”
6:00 p.m. — Reception (Rotunda)
6:30 p.m. — Dr. Babcock’s Talk (Main Library)
7:10 p.m. — Exhibition Viewing (Rotunda and North Room)
The evening will begin with a reception in the marble rotunda of the historic Pierpont Morgan Library, designed by Charles Follen McKim. followed by Dr. Babcock’s talk. After his remarks, Dr. Babcock will be available to answer questions and discuss seals on exhibition in the Rotunda and North Room.
Dr. Sidney Babcock
Dr. Babcock has spent 25 years at the Morgan, curating one of the world’s most significant collections of ancient Mesopotamian cylinder seals, and is world renowned for his work collecting and interpreting these artifacts. A master storyteller, Dr. Babcock will discuss what cylinder seals are, why they were important in antiquity, and their value in understanding ancient Mesopotamian culture and civilization. His talk will bring to life the classic and continuing struggles of power, politics, and population.
All members already should have received invitations by mail. Attendance at this event is strictly limited. First come, first served.
“The Presence of the Past” is sponsored in part by TEMPO Strategic and Michelle Larsen at Douglas Elliman Real Estate.
This post has been revised to include additional details about the schedule.