Across Wine-Dark Seas

A focused study of the unprecedented creativity in Greek art before the Classical age, during a period of travel and cultural exchange in the Mediterranean and beyond

Classical Greek art is widely celebrated and recognized, but the exceedingly skillful and creative work made before this period is not as well known. This publication extends the conversation of ancient Greek art to the era before the Parthenon—a transformative moment beginning in the eighth century BCE that saw the advent of the city-state, the foundation of Panhellenic sanctuaries and festivals, the first use of the Greek alphabet, and the compilation of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. These innovations corresponded with the onset of an ancient Greek diaspora that heralded an era of dynamic cultural exchange. Authors explore how Greek art of this period reflects exposure to the visual culture of Egypt, Africa, Persia, Iberia, and beyond, and how these regions incorporated Greek themes in their creations. Beautiful photography of more than two hundred works of art, from jewelry and pottery to architectural elements, accompanies essays and focused object studies by international experts. Yielding fascinating reflections on immigration, citizenship, colonialism, and cross-cultural interaction, this volume tells an ancient story with striking contemporary resonance.

Published by the Metropolitan Museum of Art/Distributed by Yale University Press

Exhibition Schedule:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

(December 20, 2026–April 11, 2027)