A truly spectacular, groundbreaking exhibition of Near Eastern art and urbanism that is closing at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art this month, Art of the First Cities
gained additional poignancy following the looting of Iraq's National Archeological Museum and countless other sites. In Mesopotamia 5,000 years ago, what were probably the first cities arose, and their arts, particularly in metal and stone, were nothing short of stunning, often arrestingly modern in a manner quite different from later Egyptian art. Unfortunately, most of the 712 illustrations here (535 in color) are straight-ahead catalogue illustrations that fail to really capture the objects' allure, despite crisp printing. Big exceptions are the seals and cuneiform tablets, which are shown in extreme close-up, revealing terrific detail. Short, dispassionate essays by 50-plus experts from the Hermitage, the Louvre and the Met, brought together by Aruz and Wallenfels, curators at the Met of ancient Near Eastern art, summarize what is know about Uruk, Ur and other early cities, along with the pieces found there, from the copper "Striding Horned Demons" from 3800 B.C.E. Iran to a "Recumbent human-headed bull or bison" from Ur of circa 2000 B.C.E. Maps, detailed chronologies and a massive bibliography round out this first book and exhibit to cover the whole region during this crucial period; it should serve as a fine summation for scholars and curious lovers of art and urbanism. (Aug.)
Forecast:Recent revelations that at least four pieces in the exhibition and book are of questionable provenance (they were all borrowed and not part of the Met's permanent collection) should keep
Art of the First Cities an object of debate within the museum community, if not in the news. Look for references to the exhibit and book as discussions continue about Iraqi artifacts.
