An exhibition exploring the pursuit of beauty in ancient Greece recently opened at the National Museum of China in Beijing.

For the ancient Greeks, beauty was not just about the pursuit of an aesthetic ideal; rather, it was a central theme of daily life, philosophy, and art. While it was rooted in the pleasure of the senses, beauty also reflected deeper cultural, social, and political values.  

Among the treasures from the Hellenic National Archaeological Museum, the Chinese and Greek curators selected everyday objects that highlight the imagination and creativity of the people of the ancient Greece.  They also selected beauty kits and jewelry that show how the ancient Greeks kept themselves attractive. A rich selection of marble statues was also shipped to Beijing. These sculptures reflect what the ancient Greeks thought a robust and youthful body should look like. Through these archaeological finds, the curators hope to show visitors that the pursuit of beauty is a universal human endeavor that transcends cultural differences.

The quest for beauty has captured the human imagination for centuries. Every piece on display at this exhibition illustrates how ancient societies used art to engage with beauty, both in its physical form and its conceptual depth. As we engage with the profound legacy of beauty of the ancient Greeks, we are encouraged to reflect on our own ideals of beauty in the modern world. The exploration of beauty, it seems, is a journey that is far from over.

"The Countless Aspects of Beauty in Ancient Art" will run at the National Museum of China until June 2025.