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Exploring the Allure of Gold at the Brooklyn Museum

The new exhibition titled “Solid Gold” at the Brooklyn Museum highlights the long-standing association between gold and luxury, tracing its significance across various cultures and epochs. From ancient Egyptian adornments to modern fashion statements, gold has maintained a unique allure that transcends time. The exhibition seeks to unravel why this precious metal has fascinated humanity throughout history and how its symbolization has evolved.

Matthew Yokobosky, the exhibition’s senior curator, remarked, “’Solid Gold’ will transport visitors through the many worlds of gold, its joyful, though at times heartbreaking, histories,” as shared in a recent statement. The exhibition promises to inspire audiences, prompting them to discover new dimensions of beauty that gold represents.

The exhibition begins with a striking video of NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, which was launched in 2018 as the first spacecraft intended to explore the sun’s upper atmosphere. This footage evokes the cosmic connections associated with gold, echoing the Incas’ poetic description of the metal as “the tears of the sun,” as noted by Artnet’s Raquel Laneri.

This comprehensive showcase features a remarkable selection of over 500 pieces from around the globe, all part of the museum’s 200-year celebration. Nearly half of these artifacts draw from the Brooklyn Museum’s extensive collection, which includes ancient coins, Greek jewelry, Japanese screens, and Renaissance religious art.

Yokobosky explained, “I based the exhibition checklist on our impressive permanent collection,” noting that among the nearly 4,000 gold-related works in their holdings, items span thousands of years from antiquity to contemporary pieces.

In the initial galleries, visitors can marvel at historical treasures, including a sarcophagus from 945 to 740 B.C.E. adorned with pigments that imitate gold inlays, representing the ancient world’s profound fascination with gold’s value.

This juxtaposition of ancient artifacts with modern creations is a central theme of the exhibit. For example, Panamanian gold facial jewelry from the first millennium C.E. is displayed alongside contemporary gold grills, illustrating the continuing legacy of gold in fashion and personal expression.

The exhibition emphasizes fashion’s critical role in interpreting society’s relationship with gold. Exciting highlights include splendid gowns from renowned designers such as Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Azzedine Alaïa, alongside unique pieces like a prototype necklace intended for Elizabeth Taylor in the film Cleopatra (1963).

Additionally, the exhibition delves into the origins of gold and the environmental and social impacts associated with its extraction. A specific section discusses the ecological transformations linked to gold mining, while another exhibit showcases how gold coins served as tools for disseminating propaganda featuring influential rulers.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, gold’s resilience offers invaluable insights into ancient cultures. The New York Times reflects that although gold does not tarnish or decay and can endure for centuries, it was often repurposed in the past—melting it down to create new items. “When it endures, it feels a little bit miraculous,” the publication noted.

The exhibition, titled “Solid Gold,” is on display at the Brooklyn Museum until July 6, 2025, allowing ample opportunity for visitors to engage with the rich narrative of this timeless metal.

Source
www.smithsonianmag.com