The Iris

About: Mary Louise Hart

I'm associate curator of antiquities at the J. Paul Getty Museum and curator of the exhibition The Art of Ancient Greek Theater, as well as editor and co-author of the accompanying publication, The Art of Ancient Greek Theater. I specialize in ancient Greek art and the iconography of myth, epic, and drama, as well as its performance and reception.

Posts by Mary Louise

Posted in Ancient World, Antiquities, Exhibitions and Installations, J. Paul Getty Museum

The Christian Empire that Grew from Classical Roots

By Mary Louise Hart | Published: April 2, 2014
Head of Aphrodite, A.D. 1–100, Roman, made in Athens, Greece. Marble, 15 3/4 in. high. National Archaeological Museum, Athens. Image courtesy of the National Archaeological Museum, Athens
National Archaeological Museum, Athens

Explore the Getty Villa’s summer exhibition “Heaven and Earth” through one of its most compelling masterpieces. More»

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Posted in Behind the Scenes, J. Paul Getty Museum

In Search of Euripides’ Helen

By Mary Louise Hart | Published: September 21, 2012
Euripides Helen at the Getty Villa

For over a year I’ve had the pleasure of working as a dramaturge with Nick Salamone, the playwright of this year’s Villa outdoor theater production of Euripides’ Helen. During rehearsals this summer I got together with Nick and director Jon… More»

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Posted in Antiquities, Exhibitions and Installations, J. Paul Getty Museum, Manuscripts and Books

A Lasting War: Representing Troy in Ancient Greece and Medieval Europe

By Mary Louise Hart | Published: January 31, 2011
The Construction and Destruction of Troy, Orosius Master, Paris, 1405-6. In City of God (Cité de Dieu; original text in Latin); Saint Augustine, author; Raoul de Presles, translator. The Philip S. Collins Collection, gift of Mrs. Philip S. Collins in memory of her husband, 1945. Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ms. 1945.65.1, fol. 66v

For when one sees a story illustrated, whether of Troy or something else, he sees the actions of the worthy men that lived in those times, just as though they were present.    —Richard de Fournival, Bestiare d’amours, ca. 1250 The… More»

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Posted in Antiquities, Getty Villa, J. Paul Getty Museum

Art and Performance in Classical Greece (AUDIO)

By Mary Louise Hart | Published: November 9, 2010
Fragmentary Mixing Vessel with Oedipus Discovering the Truth, Greek, made in Sicily, 330–320 B.C.; found in Syracuse. Fragmentary red-figured calyx krater attributed to the Capodarso Painter. Terracotta, 9 7/15 x 18 1/2 in. (24 x 30 cm). Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi, Syracusa, Italy, 66557. Su concessione dell'Assessorato ai Beni Culturali e dell'Identità Siciliana della Regione Siciliana - Palermo
Fragmentary Mixing Vessel with Oedipus Discovering the Truth, Greek, made in Sicily, 330–320 B.C.; found in Syracuse. Fragmentary red-figured calyx krater attributed to the Capodarso Painter. Terracotta, 9 7/15 x 18 1/2 in. (24 x 30 cm). Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi, Syracusa, Italy, 66557. Su concessione dell'Assessorato ai Beni Culturali e dell'Identità Siciliana della Regione Siciliana - Palermo

Works of art offer a tantalizing window onto the world of ancient Greek theater, providing rich clues to the stories, music, costumes, masks, and actors of ancient tragedies, satyr plays, and comedies. I hope you’ll enjoy this talk, which complements… More»

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      The Union Oil Center was completed in 1958 and became the highest building in downtown Los Angeles (mostly thanks to the convenient hill it is situated upon). 

      This neighborhood became known for the 19th century oil boom. However, come the ’90s, the building was up for demolition. Saved by Hollywood, this building became the Los Angeles Center Studios complete with a “vertical backlot.” What other SoCal oil buildings have transformed in time? The Huntington has one.  

      We’re teaming up The Huntington’s tumblr to bring you historic Los Angeles images on Wednesdays through August 6 as part of No Further West.

      Union Oil Center, 1957, Julius Shulman. Getty Research Institute. Julius Shulman Photography Archive.

      07/23/14

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