Heritage Film · BnF · 2020

The Arcesilaus Cup

Documentary video on a 6th-century BC Laconian kylix held at the BnF. Made for the exhibition Terre ! Escales Mythiques en Méditerranée.

A treasure from the BnF collections, Department of Coins, Medals and Antiquities

The Object

The BnF’s Department of Coins, Medals and Antiquities holds this remarkable Laconian kylix known as the Arcesilaus Cup. It depicts Arcesilaus II, King of Cyrene.

Object Details

  • Name: Arcesilaus Cup (Laconian kylix)
  • Date: 565–560 BC
  • Figure: Arcesilaus II, King of Cyrene
  • Provenance: Vulci, Etruria
  • Collection: BnF, Department of Coins, Medals and Antiquities

Questions Explored

Dated to between 565 and 560 BC, the cup was discovered in Vulci, Etruria. But what do we really know about its making, origin and iconography? This film investigates the questions surrounding this exceptional object.

Production Context

The film was produced for the exhibition Terre ! Escales mythiques en Méditerranée, presented at the Marseille History Museum from 15 July 2020 to 3 January 2021. It forms part of a series devoted to treasures from the BnF collections.

My Role

Production Manager

Coordination

Expert interviews

Institution

Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF)

Department of Coins, Medals and Antiquities

Exhibition

*Terre ! Escales mythiques en Méditerranée*

Marseille History Museum

Dates

15 July 2020

to

3 January 2021

Credits

  • Production management and coordination Damien Rayuela
  • Expert interviews Damien Rayuela
  • Direction Olam Productions
  • Partner institution Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF)
  • Exhibition Marseille History Museum