Michael Duigan

Finding the Mind’s Construction in the Face – Portraits of Nero.

The lecture will be on February 25th at 7pm
in the Bertrand Russell Room, Conway Hall
25 Red Lion Square, WC1R 4RL.

Our lecturer Michael Duigan has spoken to us on several previous occasions on the art and sculpture of the classical world. Michael had originally hoped to give the lecture last year to coincide with the Nero exhibition at the British Museum, but Covid put paid to that.

Michael has provided this abstract of the lecture.

“Reading the character of a man from his facial appearance has long been discredited. Drawing conclusions from constructed images representing that face, however, is quite a different matter. This is especially true when the subject is also the patron who controls the making of that image. Portraits do reflect the ‘real’ Nero.”

We were hoping to be able to follow up the lecture with a visit the next day to the British Museum to examine Roman portrait busts and paintings from Italy, Cyprus, and Egypt but unfortunately the Covid restrictions currently in place in the museum do not at present permit any group visits. If these change in the near future and there is time for us to make the necessary arrangements, we will let you know. Otherwise we shall organise a visit at a later date.

As is the case for all lectures, this one is free of charge for EMAS members, while a fee of £3 is payable by non-members.

Since the lecture room has a capacity of 35 people, we would be grateful if you could send an email to theEMASsecretary@gmail.com to let us know that you are planning to attend. We hope to see you there.