The large exhibition of the Acropolis Museum, "NoIMATA", will host an ancient Greek vase returned as a loan from the British Museum despite the hostility shown by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The Meidias hydria has been in the British Museum since the 18th century. It is a vase with a height of just over 50 cm. The British Charge d'Affaires purchased it in Naples, Italy, by William Hamilton in 1760, and then it was acquired by the British Museum in 1772.
The vase depicts mythological scenes, including Castor, Polydeuces, and Hercules in the Garden of the Hesperides.
Idria dates from 340 BC, while as the Acropolis museum explains in its post, it depicts a young man asking Aphrodite, "Does she love me, does she not?" and the scales of Eros and Anterotas rise favourably towards him.
After its exhibition in Athens, which will last from December 4 to April 14, 2024, the vase will be transferred to Paris for an exhibition at the Louvre Museum.
The loan has caused a sensation in the British media, as it takes place amid consultations and negotiations for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures, following recent statements by the president of the British Museum, who reiterated his desire for an agreement, without, however, appearing to intend to recognise the ownership of the Sculptures, but also the annulment of the Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Rishi Sunak meeting.
READ MORE: The British slam Rishi Sunak for canceling the meeting with Mitsotakis: “Give back the Sculptures.”
