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How Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon’ Repeats One of Art History’s Biggest Conspiracies – artnet News

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Ridley Scott’s Napoleon (2023), his latest feature film—which has been called his “finest since Gladiator—was released yesterday following its November 14 premiere in Paris.

The film includes one of art history’s biggest conspiracies: that Napoleon Bonaparte, France’s first and most-famous emperor, had his troops fire canons at the Great Pyramid of Giza during his Egyptian campaign in 1798, shooting off the nose of the Great Sphinx in the process.

But did it happen? TIME spoke to the historian Michael Broers who consulted on the film, who remarked that Scott knew that “nothing like that happened”. The director decided to keep the scene in which the top of the Great Pyramid was shot off, after it made Broers laugh. In an interview with the Times Ridley Scott himself described the scene as “a fast way of saying he took Egypt”. The Great Pyramid and Sphinx in Giza are iconic Egyptian images, with archaeological evidence placing the Sphinx’s construction to 2500 B.C.E., while the Great Pyramid is the only remaining wonder of the ancient world.

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However, it wasn’t Napoleon’s canon fire that damaged the face of this colossal structure. In drawings made by Danish explorer Frederic Louis Norden in 1737 and displayed in 1744, the Sphinx had already lost its nose at least 60 years before Napoleon’s invasion. Historian Bassam el-Shamaa also confirmed that the tale was no more than a rumor in his 2009 book Hokam Misr El-Qadema (Ancient Egypt’s Rulers), given that Napoleon’s battle actually occurred in the neighbourhood of Imbaba, around four hours away by foot from the Pyramid complex.

The main theories to explain the loss of the Sphinx’s nose are iconoclastic attacks taking place between the 10th and early 18th centuries, or progressive natural erosion from the elements over the course of the limestone statue’s five millennia lifetime. The Napoleonic conspiracy theory is believed to have appeared around the dawn of the 20th century.

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com

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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

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Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.

The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.

Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”

With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.

The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.

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