AMARĀVATĪ: ART AND BUDDHISM IN ANCIENT INDIA

TALK FOR MEMBERS OF THE ASHMOLEAN

Mon 7 Oct, 3.30–4.30pm

At the Museum and Online

An exclusive talk for Members of the Ashmolean

Booking is essential. See below

This event is taking place in-person at the Headley Lecture Theatre, and online via Zoom.

Tea and cake will be served in the lecture theatre from 3pm.

With art historian Jaś Elsner

In this special author talk, one of the leading art historians of our time, Jaś Elsner, will discuss the findings of his new book about the extraordinary Buddhist stupa (reliquary mound) at Amarāvatī in South India, and offer new insights into ancient Buddhist art and practices.

Jas' book provides a fresh perspective on the rich visual culture of ancient South Asia viewed through the lens of art history, connecting the stupa’s artistic innovations with advancements in Buddhist philosophy and rituals.

Amarāvatī: Art and Buddhism in Ancient India by Jas Elsner

'Amarāvatī: Art and Buddhism in Ancient India' is available to buy online and at the in-person event, there will be copies available to buy with your Ashmolean Member discount.

About Jaś Elsner

Jaś has been described as 'one of the most well-known figures in the field of ancient art history, respected for his notable erudition, extensive range of interests and expertise, his continuing productivity, and above all, for the originality of his mind'. He is a British art historian and classicist and has been the Professor of Late Antique Art in the Faculty of Classics at the University of Oxford since 2014. Since 1999 Jaś has been the Humfry Payne Senior Research Fellow in Classical Archaeology and Art at Corpus Christi College, Oxford and Visiting Professor of Art History at the University of Chicago since 2003. In July 2017, Jaś was elected a Fellow of the British Academy (FBA), the United Kingdom's national academy for the humanities and social sciences.

The talk will be recorded and shared with ticketholders following the event.